William "Bill" E Harris

William “Bill” Harris was born in Muncie, Indiana, where he developed his love of plants and an interest in science while working in his parents’ greenhouses. He entered Butler University as an ROTC student, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology. Subsequently, he earned a master’s degree in bacteriology at Ohio State University before beginning training for and entering active duty in the Air Force.

Col. Harris’ military career included various important duties including biological research for the School of Aviation Medicine; airlift pilot and operations officer; airlift command and control, Vietnam; AFROTC Professor of Aerospace Studies and detachment commander; UCLA ROTC Commandant of Students; and Plans Officer, AFROTC Maxwell AFB. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in August 1975.

The military honors he received include:

As a Plans Officer at Maxwell Airforce Base, Alabama, July 1973-July 1975, he was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for outstanding service: “The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Harris culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

As a Professor of Aerospace studies with the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps Detachment 55, University of California, Sept. 1970 to July 1973 he was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding service: “In addition to reassuring cadets of the inherent wisdom in completing the program, his courage and exemplary military character were sources of strength and inspiration to the morale and esprit de corps of the cadets as well as the detachment staff.”

As a Division Senior Controller at the Airlift Control Center with the 834th Air Division at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, August 1969 to August 1970, he was awarded The Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service for consistently demonstrating his professional ability and sound judgment in providing vitally needed tactical airlift support to Free World Forces in Southeast Asia.  

Following retirement from the Air Force, Col. Harris decided to continue his education and earned MBA and MPA degrees before beginning work as a consultant with the South Central Alabama Regional Planning Commission, which helps communities with community and economic development projects.

Col. Harris is survived by his wife of 69 years, Patricia Corapi Harris; his children Lisa (Phil Turkett) Harris, Matthew (Carol) Harris, Jean Harris, Greta (Bradley) Duckett, and Carla (Joseph) Kruger; and his grandchildren Jesse (Shauna) Harris, Joshua Harris, Genevieve Turkett, and Anna Turkett. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ellen (John) McQueen.

A private interment will be held with the family at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be to the Montgomery Humane Society, 1150 John Overton Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110 (https://www.montgomeryhumane.com/donate/)

As we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time, we would also like to express our utmost gratitude to you for entrusting us with your loved one. Magnolia Cremations & Funeral Services.

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