William Harris

Obituary For William Harris

Infant Jesus of Prague Flossmore and Leavitt Ave.

March 5, 2021 Mass : 11:00am ~ 12:00pm

Obituary for William W. Harris

William (Billy) Wayne Harris, was born on May 24, 1933 to Willie Harris and Arzella Jackson Harris in Jackson, Tennessee. He was their only child. His mother preceded in death as did his beloved grandmother, Addie Jackson.

Billy or Bill as he was affectionately known to friends, later moved with his mother to washington, DC before the family finally settled in the Morgan Park neighborhood on the southside of Chicago Billy attended Morgan Park High School where he played basketball and football. After graduating high school he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Billy met and married Deborah Cartwright in 1958 and to this union two children were born David and Nancy. The family lived for many years in Harvey, Illinois, where Billy was active in local civic organizations. He was baptized into Roman Catholic Church in 1966 and was active at St. Susanna Church.The family would later move to Flossmore, Illinois in 1976 becoming one of the first African American families in the village. Billy and Deborah were active socially and built strong and lasting friendships in the small close knit Homewood-Flossmoor community

Billy began his employment in the mailroom at Commonwealth Edison, and worked his way up to management as an accountant. While at ComEd Billy furthered his education at Roosevelt University where he obtained a business degree, and later co-founded the Edison African American Member Association (EAAMA, the first organization for African American employees. Billy worked at ComEd for 43 years before retiring in the early 1990s.

Billy was an avid golfer, runner, and biker, participating in the annual “Bike the Drive” event well into his 80’s and encouraging other members of his family to join him on the annual Memorial day weekend event. Billy also spent many a day on the golf course with his close friends. He also loved watching sports, particularly football. He spent countless Sunday afternoon watching the Bears. He also enjoyed dining out at all of the local eateries and exploring the city with his beloved wife and family.

Billy was a devoted family man and family members have remarked how he would always “show up for all of us. “He was also particularly proud of his children and grandchildren and the wonderful people they had become.

Billy is survived by his loving wife Deborah of 62 years, his children David (Willie) and Nancy, His two grandchildren, Christian and Cameron (Khadija), his great-grandson Cameron Jr., his brother-in-laws LaMar and Paul Cartwright (Tonya) and a host of other relatives and friends.