William (Bill) Franklin Harris was born on December 19 th , 1946, in Naponee, Nebraska to Alice (Moltzahn) and Harvey Harris. Bill served honorably in the United States Navy as a Seabee where he deployed to Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Salina and worked as an ambulance driver, later becoming a Deputy at the Saline County Sheriff’s Department. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1432. Bill devoted his life to service of others and love of his family. His faith and charity were shared with his community. He fostered a love of life and strength of spirit in those he loved.
Bill had a great sense of humor, and his laugh could fill a room. His positivity persevered even in times of challenging health. Bill passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, in the comfort of his home.
Bill is survived by a family that loves and misses him: his loving wife, Terrie Harris; his 6 children; Angie Harris Reed, Margaret Lynn Lough, Karrie Sue Harris, Jason Michael Lough, Kathryn Dugger Harris Southard, and Victoria Anne Harris. He has 14 grandchildren; Alexis Lough, Kameren Lough, Gavin Harris, M’Lynn Harris, Quinn Harris, Gwendolyn Harris, Genevieve Southard, Annika Southard, Milani Southard, Oliva Reid, Victoria Reid, Elizabeth Reid, Ashlyn Harris, Kyleigh Harris and 7 great grandchildren; hisbrother, Harvey Harris (Vicky Harris) of Topeka, Kansas and his sister, Bobby Ramsey, of Irving, Texas.
A rosary will be recited at 7pm, Thursday May 15, 2025, at St. Mary’s Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday May 16 , at 11:00 at St. Mary’s Church. Inurnment will be at the Gypsum Hill Cemetery in the military plot following the funeral.
A lunch will follow in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary's Parish or the Tammy Walker Cancer Center. For more information or to leave condolences go to www.ryanmortuary.com