William Hunter Harris, Sr., the beloved father of J’edith H. Exum (Michael) and William H. Harris, Jr. (Gatha), peacefully departed this life on Saturday morning, March 4, 2023.
“Hunk”, as he was affectionately referred by family and close friends, was born on November 13, 1931 in Reidsville, North Carolina. He accepted Christ as his Saviour at a very early age and joined First Christian Church. After graduating from Washington High School, Class of 1949, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a Radio Operator/Interceptor in England. He then returned home to study at Johnson C. Smith (JCSU) in Charlotte, North Carolina where he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1955 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. During this time, he returned to Reidsville and married his “Honey Baby”, Jean Carter Harris. He furthered his education at Penn State University, attaining a Master’s Degree. Brother Harris retired from the Philadelphia School System after thirty years of service. After retirement, William, Sr. and Jean returned to Wentworth, North Carolina where William resided until his earthly transition. He was a faithful supporter of First Baptist Church where he served as a member of the Board of Trustees, Male Chorus and was always faithful to deliver fruit baskets during the holidays. He was an avid golfer and loved watching women’s college basketball. He was an extremely active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He once served as Basileus for Sigma Chi Chapter and earned the Founders Award. He was also one of the three remaining members of the Big 6, which consisted of childhood friends: John Butler – Fort Washington, Maryland and Watler Scales – Pensocola, Florida. Preceding “Hunk” are Robert “Toot” Hart of Reidsville, Charles Broadnax of Delray Beach, Florida and Earnest “Sunny Boy” Gunn of Reidsville. “Hunk” was always the life of the party. He had a very quick wit, an infectious sense of humor and left you laughing. Everybody knew when he entered the building. He was a loving husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Carter Harris; daughter, Joette Michelle; father, Laurence Harris; mother, Rithie Pannell Harris; sisters, Elizabeth Ware, Sarah Harley, Ruth Laurence Gorrell, Ruby Harris and Gilda Harris.
Surviving family members include: loving daughter, J’edith Exum (Michael); son, William Hunter Harris, Jr. (Gatha); granddaughters, Courtney Harris, Keesha Exum (Ralph) and Kiara Exum; great-granddaughters, Saniyah Kimber and Noa Evans. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023 from the chapel of Johnson & Sons, 115 Holderby Street with Dr. Joseph A. Bryant presiding. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:30 until 1:00 p.m. and Friday evening from 7 until 8 p.m. at Johnson & Sons. The Omega Ritual will be Friday evening from 6 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In every effort to protect our client families, protective facial coverings and social distancing are mandatory requirements.
Services will be livestreamed.
In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions made to First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 337, Reidsville, North Carolina 27323.
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