William R Harris

William R. Harris, 88, of Little Rock, Arkansas, entered into rest on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Briarwood Nursing and Rehab. He was born October 7, 1929, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to the late Don Leo and Lela (Meadows) Harris. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Don L. Harris, Jr.; his sons, Dan W. Harris and Steven R. Harris.

William attended Oklahoma City public schools and City University. He began his electrical construction experience in Oklahoma City after his deployment to Korea as a Marine rifle company (C-1-5) squad leader and later btn. Communication Sgt. In 1951-52. He was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church.

Mr. Harris enjoyed to bass fish, and as attested by their children, Barbara Anne was his most important hobby—William taught her to fish and she caught bigger bass than he did. Of course he was elated with her success. Mr. Harris was a connoisseur of fine food and drink. He was also an excellent grill master and found great joy entertaining his family and friends.

The next twenty five years were spent in electrical construction before coming to Little Rock in 1969. He was employed by I. K. Electric a number of years before launching Mid-South Electric in 1980.

He had served as president of the Oklahoma City Junior Chamber of Commerce, President of the Arkansas Chapter of National Electrical Contractors Association, was a member of Association of Energy Engineers, a life member of the Marine Corps League, DAV, Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion. He was the founder of the Arkansas Veterans Alliance in 2012. He is also a licensed pilot since 1965.

He is survived by his beloved and loving wife of over 43 years, Barbara Anne (Vick) Stover Harris; step-children, Bill Stover and wife Jo Ellen; Jim Stover and wife Connie; and Vicki Hedstrom; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be hosted by his family on from 4:00pm until 6:00pm, Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. A graveside service, with U.S. Marine Corps Honors, will be held at 10:00am, Monday, April 16, at Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander, Arkansas.