William Gewin Harris

William G. Harris, 89, of Des Moines, Washington, passed away on January 14, 2013. He was born in Vrendenburgh, Alabama, on February 23, 1923. Bill graduated from Hale County High School in Moundville, Alabama, with academic honors. He entered the service with the Air Force in March 1943, and served until November 1945. He was a member of the 8th Air Force’s 489th Bomb Group as a Flight Maintenance Gunner. Decorations received included: European African Middle East Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Air Medal, and World War Victory Medal. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1949 and he continued with graduate studies in Supersonic Aerodynamics at Ohio State University and MIT.

In January of 1945, he married Patricia Dewhirst of Windsor, Ontario. They were married until her passing in 1970. Later, he married Jean Middleton Anderson in March of 1984. Bill worked in Aerospace “Engineering” for E.I. DuPont power plant, Air Force Wright Air Development Center in Dayton, Ohio and for Boeing for 33 years. Prior to his retirement in 1986, he was assigned to the ICBM Deep Base Program. As another part of his work he developed, packaged, and patented an iron-chlorine fuel cell for electric power generation.

From 1962 to 1972 Bill was a member chairman of the Supersonic Tunnel Association and Ballistic Range Association. He was elected and served as Chairman of the Supersonic Tunnel Association in 1963. Bill was also a member of the Burien Presbyterian Church in Burien. Passion for fly fishing, gardening, landscaping projects, gourmet cooking made up a big part of who Bill was.

He is survived by wife Jean Harris and his daughters Janice Ann Pecoraro and Carol Lynn Medley; step-children Cheryl Whiting , Cathy Uyehara, Carla Joy Shdo; grandchildren Shannon & Jesse Pecoraro, Patrick & Jonathan Medley, Wendy Whiting Hollinger, Zachery & Jeremy Whiting, & Caroline Joy Shdo; great grandchildren Evie Maria Pecoraro & Peter Scott Hollinger.

Bill was a wonderful man that touched the hearts of many people throughout his years. His bountiful accomplishments are truly remarkable! He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Donations can be made to Highline Home Health & Hospice.