Billy (Bill) Joe Harris (79), passed away on July 10, 2019, at his home in Kearney, MO.

He was born on August 29, 1939, to the late Joseph Lee and Vera Louvie Harris of Wyatt, MO. Bill lived in Wyatt, MO until he joined the US Navy in 1958. He was able to explore the world. His favorite place he visited was the Holy Lands in 1979.

Bill was married on August 15, 1958, to his childhood sweetheart, Vivian Dodgen (60 years together). Being in the Navy, they lived all over the United States. Settling in Kearney, MO. They had three children. Ladita (husband-Tim) Jones of Newton IA. Cathy (husband-Tom) Burgdorf of Liberty MO, and James (wife-Ramona) Harris of Manhattan, KS.

Bill Harris retired from the US Navy in 1981 after 21 years of service. In 1996, he retired for Naval Aviation Engineering Service Unit at the Marine base in Beaufort, SC.

Bill loved all of his grandchildren: JB Harris (Cheaspeake, VA), Jennifer & Dale Stoutenburg (Excelsior Springs), Thomas & Emily Burgdorf (Gardner, KS), Josh Jones (US Airforce- Spokane WA), Mitchell Harris (Manhattan, KS), and Matthew Burgdorf (US Navy-Norfolk, VA). His great-grandchildren: Aubrietta Lynn Stoutenburg and Thomas Charles Burgorf, Jr, (Charlie).
Also surviving are his sisters, Melba Whitney of Raleigh, NC and Sheila (Michael) Clark of Charleston.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry Harris and Robert (Bob) Harris.

Visitation will be on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., at McMikle Funeral Chapel in Charleston, MO.

Graveside rites with full military honors will follow at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com