William Jackson Harris Sr.

William Jackson Harris Sr., of Friendswood, Texas died on Sunday, July 12, 2020 due to complications related to COVID-19 at the age of 64. Please join us for a Celebration of Life, Friday, September 11, 2020

at 10:00 a.m. at Friendswood United Methodist Church 110 North Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas 77546.

Bill, as he was affectionately known to all, was a fiercely devoted child of God, family man, a brilliant engineer, a pilot, a craftsman, and an Air Force Veteran whose dedication to the service of others was only rivaled by his enjoyment of life’s little pleasures.

He was married to the love of his life, Gaylene Harris, in June of 1986. He is survived by his children: William J. Harris Jr., Jasmine Patterson, Lindsey Foreman, and Eric M. Harris, his grandchildren: Madison Hartung, Kayla Harris, Alyssa Harris, Megan Harris, Faith Foreman, Patience Foreman, Leila Harris, and Archer Harris, and his great-grandchild: Olivia Hartung.

Bill was born on September 28, 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri to Frances Harris and Walter “Buddy” Harris (deceased) and enjoyed his childhood in Florida with his two brothers, Ed Harris and Robert Harris (deceased), and his sisters, Susan Swett and Donna Rickabaugh. He is remembered by his entire family as a principled, focused, and caring man, who always put the needs of others above his own.

from a young age, Bill never wavered on his desire to become an aerospace engineer. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1973, gaining experience working on numerous aircrafts, and eventually graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering in 1981. He went on to work for General Dynamics as the Maintainability Engineering Chief prior to finding a home with NASA for the next 29 years. Bill began his NASA career as the Flight Systems Safety and Mission Assurance Division Deputy Chief and went on to manage 35 missions as the Space Shuttle and Mission Assurance Program Manager for the Space Shuttle Program. He completed his long career by leading the Orion Ascent Abort 2 Test as the Project Planning and Control Manager. Prior to retiring in 2019, Bill was influential in assuring that the Johnson Space Center had a leading role in NASA’s Gateway Program.

Bill enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. His favorite activities revolved around having everyone come to his lake house to relax and enjoy being on the water together. He loved cruising around the lake in his boat with the family all on board and was an avid water-skier.

When not spending time with family, Bill was devoted to personal projects. Whether it be making improvements to the lake property or building and flying remote controlled airplanes, he always strived to learn and improve in the endeavors he was passionate about.

He will always be remembered as a loving husband, a patient father, a silly grandpa, a caring son, a supportive brother, and a brilliant human being who never backed down from a challenge and always lifted others to be the best they could be. He will be sorely missed.

Those wishing to inquire about the service or sending flowers may email the family at harris6061@gmail.com.