Dr. William (Bill) Harris, 69, of Springfield, Missouri died November 25, 2012 from pancreatic cancer. Born on May 29, 1943 to Mark and Mary Harris of Alexandria, Virginia, his parents encouraged Bill to have an inquisitive mind, to value hard work, and serve others with humility.
Called to the ministry, Bill enrolled at the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky where he was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1969. He later received his doctorate of ministry from the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
While Bill enjoyed delivering sermons, the greatest expression of his spiritual gifts was realized during the 26 years he worked as a chaplain in the pastoral care department at Cox Medical Centers in Springfield, Missouri. Bill is fondly remembered for his jokes, his compassionate demeanor, and the assistance he provided families in times of great sorrow.
Bill enjoyed numerous hobbies, such as wood carving, writing, gardening, ham radio, jewelry making, and academic discourse. Bill enjoyed using his talents to give back to the community, volunteering with such organizations as the American Red Cross and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill; and teaching courses with the Burrell Center for Addictions and at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.
Dr. Harris was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Pamela. Bill is survived by his five children: Stephen Harris, David Harris, John Harris and his wife Katherine, Ruth Schafer and her husband Gary, Dr. Sarah Smitherman and her husband Eric; six grandchildren, and a treasure of extended family and friends.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, November 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri 65802. A funeral service in Greenlawn will begin at 11:00 a.m., immediately following the visitation. A graveside service will follow the funeral at the Ozark Prairie Presbyterian Church, 15032 Lawrence 2077, Mount Vernon, Missouri 65712.
Donations in Bill Harris’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, online at cancer.org.