William "Bill" Arthur Harrison

He was born September 14, 1942, to William Elsworth and Ellen Virginia (nee Hogan) Harrison in Baltimore, Maryland. He spent much of his childhood and formative years on the eastern shore of Maryland with his grandparents Dr. Lewis P. and Anna Atwell whom he admired deeply. Their love, counsel, and influence guided him throughout his life. He especially bonded with his grandfather who taught him how to hunt and fish and encouraged his interest in being a vanguard, fixing things, and drag racing.

After graduating high school in 1960, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961, which was the launching point for a 20-year career in the military. There he strove to do his best to overcome challenges with natural ease and confidence and proved himself to be professional, conscientious and dedicated. He served honorably and with distinction throughout his military service including seven tours of duty in the Vietnam War, and as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing Commander at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. He retired from the Air Force with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He then embarked on a second, 20+ year career working for McDonnell Douglas, Boeing Aerodynamics, and General Dynamics in the Arabian Peninsula where he excelled as well.

Early in his military service, Bill was stationed in the Philippines where he met his guiding star and lifelong touchstone, Remedios “Remy” nee Manio. They fell in love, married, and shared a wonderful life for 55 years. They raised two children, built his career, laughed together A LOT, traveled the world, and made many happy memories.

Although his professional endeavors required him to work in various places around the United States and overseas, he always considered Texas to be home after following his mother’s footsteps and homesteading in San Antonio with his young family. After his final retirement, Bill and Remy moved back to the Lone Star State settling in Austin to be close to their children. He loved them unconditionally and nurtured meaningful and loving relationships with both of them as they dragged him through decades of the never-ceasing challenges of Moore’s Law. He was present, sweet, and brave through and through, notably to the end of his precious life! His family was constantly at his side in the weeks preceding his death.

He is survived by his wife, Remy, his daughter, Lisa, his son, Jim, and his daughter-in-law Louri. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen, and his father, William, as well as his beloved grandparents. He will truly be missed and remembered with SO much love by his family and friends.

A visitation for Bill will be held Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 6:00 PM followed by a rosary service at 7pm at St. Paul Catholic Church, 10000 David Moore Drive, Austin, TX 78748. The funeral mass will occur Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Paul Catholic Church followed by a committal service at the Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A reception with Bill’s family and friends will take place in Grace Hall on the St. Paul Catholic Church grounds at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org), an organization that builds comfort homes where military and veteran families stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital.