William H. "Bill" Harris, Jr.

William H. "Bill" Harris, Jr., age 91, of Magnolia Manor Nursing Center, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center following a brief illness. A private graveside service will be held in Oak Grove Cemetery with Rev. Brooks Partain officiating. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a Celebration of Life memorial service will be planned at a later date. Mr. Harris was born in Plains, GA on October 25, 1928, a son of the late W. H. and Willie Lee Cooper Harris. He was raised on the family farm, and was in the last graduating class of Union High School in Centerpoint. He proudly served in the Army National Guard, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. Mr. Harris was a retired oil solvent extractionist, and his work took him twice to Australia, to Mexico, and other regions. He enjoyed traveling, coin collecting, map drawing, and visiting with friends and family. He continued to drive to the Dawson Senior Center daily from his daughter's home in Cuthbert until his health forced him into the Nursing Center last fall. He was a member of Plains Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Jane Hargrove Harris; a son David Harris; a sister June Harris Turner; a brother Marvin Harris; brothers-in-law, Ernest Turner and Jerry Roberts; and a son-in-law Raymond Lamb. He is survived by four children: Debra Harris Lamb of Warrenton, Jennifer Harris Thomas (Brian) of Bli Bli QSLD Australia, Sarah Harris Stripling (Jay) of Cuthbert, and Brian Harris (Barbara) of Lexington, S.C.; 8 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; two sisters: Florence Harris Blanton and Virginia Harris Roberts, both of Americus; and two brothers: Ben Harris of Dawson and Howard Harris (Beverly) of Vienna. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Flowers are welcomed, and for those wishing to do so, memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of one's choice. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mr. William H. "Bill" Harris, Jr.