Willie Bill James Harris

Willie James Harris (Bill), 84, passed away peacefully at his home on December 1, 2012. Bill was born on December 23, 1927 in Imboden, Ark to Alvin and Naomi Harris. He attended school through the 7th grade at which time he decided to quit because he was smarter than the teacher and could make more money than her. He went to work in the cotton fields with his Dad.

On January 12, 1946 he married Primrose Ruth Mullins (Ruth) in Pargould, Arkansas in a two dollar wedding with a dozen donuts. In 1948 Bill and Ruth came to Washington State, soon after his family followed. He worked in the fruit industry and at the filling station with his Dad. He saved half of every paycheck to fulfill his dream of owning a used car business. He worked for Inland Motors for one year to get experience. He was referred to as the hick from the sticks by his fellow employees. The first month he outsold everyone to become salesman of the month. In 1953 along with his cousin Eugene Harris he opened Bill & Gene’s Used Cars in Selah on a gravel lot with a large shade tree, the current Sundance Carwash location. Bill & Gene decided to part ways so they had a coin flip, Bill won and in 1954 he opened Bill’s Used Cars Inc. at 413 South 1st St in Selah.

In 1961 he got his pilot license and in 1962 he bought a plane, which he used in his business. In 1973 due to high gas prices he became a Mobile Home Dealer and received many awards. In 1977 he decided to sell cars again, later his sons Bill and Brian and daughter Stephanie became part of the business. He continued to work until 2001 when a stroke forced him into retirement. Bill served on the Selah Planning Commission and was past vice president of the Yakima Valley Independent Auto Dealers Association. He loved the car business and always looked forward to going to work. He was the first one there and the last one to leave.

Bill was persistent and task oriented, two days before he passed away he followed through on getting his drivers license even though he didn’t drive. He enjoyed boating, deep sea fishing and was an avid hunter, evident by the big game displayed in his home. Bill coached and sponsored many local sports teams. He loved fast pitch softball and traveled to many men’s national tournaments including 3 world tournaments. He was a fan of any sport his kids and grandkids played, he hardly ever missed a game.

Bill was preceded in death by his sons Larry and Daniel and his parents Alvin and Naomi Harris. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Ruth Harris, his sons Steve (Rhoda), Bill (Laura), Brian (Fran), his daughter Steph Sutton (Jerry), his grandkids Nikki Hunter, Daphne King (Bill), Darrell Chard (Melissa), Ivy Durfee (Jon), Ann Grajeda (Gary), Sarah Harris, Amy Helms (Kyle), Katey Harris, William Harris, Jason Sutton (Haley), Jenna Sutton, Emily Escamilla (Daniel), Samantha Harris and 11 great grandkids. He is also survived by his brother Del Harris (Fran) and sisters Juanita Sommers, and Estelle Hagey. The family would like to thank Kristyan, all his caregivers and hospice for caring for Bill.

Viewing will be on Wednesday December 5th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. Funeral services will be Thursday December 6th at 1:30 at the Keith and Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. Private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Greater Yakima Girls Softball Association P.O. Box 8185 Yakima, Wa.98908.