Major William R. Harris, Jr. USAF, Ret., 96, Culver, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in the Catherine Kasper Life Center with his family by his side.

William was born Nov. 25, 1920 in Plymouth to William R. and Lavina (Adang) Harris, Sr.  On June 18, 1949 William married the former Doris Jean Hill; she preceded him in passing on Nov. 24, 1980. They were blessed with four children.

William’s entire life has been dedicated to a life of service. To his family he loved dearly, his business ventures he enjoyed immensely and to his country, where he proudly served in the United States Air Force. He served active duty until 1945 with the rank of Major. His service to his county continued in the Reserves until 1980. He was a member of the Windy City II bomber crew that on D-Day, June 6, 1944 bombed the Pabsti oil field, and managed to avoid capture with the efforts of General Mihailocich and peasants after 66 days they returned to Italy. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with cluster, and the Air Medal with three clusters and a Distinguished Unit Citation with cluster.

William was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Plymouth. He served as VP of Operations at McCord Heat Transfer serving from 1939 to 1979.

Left to cherish William’s memory are his children: Teresa Ann Parrish, Pelican Rapids, Minn.; William and Robin Harris, III of Culver; John and Jamie Harris of Trabuco Canyon, Calif.; William was further blessed with seven grandchildren: Jonathan Parrish of Walken, Minn.; Chandra Rose and Tony Shoberg of Duluth, Minn.; Elizabeth Kendall of Kansas City, Md.; Shae and Jared Bennema, Monee, Ill.; Allie Harris of Culver; Alexander Harris of Trabuco Canyon, Calif.; and Zachary Harris of Trabuco Canyon, Calif. One great-grandchild, Isaac Shoberg also survives.

William is preceded in passing by his parents, his wife, his son, Phillip P. “Harry” Harris, his siblings, Rev. Charles W. Harris, CSC, Margaret Glaub, Rosemary Downey, Robert H. Harris and  Joseph Clarence Harris.

The Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Harris family.

A Christian Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7 in the St. Michael Catholic Church, 611 N. Center Street Plymouth, IN 46563 with Fr. Tad Balinda officiating.

The Harris family requests memorial contributions are given to the Donor’s choice.