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William “Bill” Russell Harris Sr., age 83, of Wyatt, entered his heavenly home on Friday, July 24, 2026, to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born February 9, 1943, in Wyatt, MO, to the late Ivory Mack Harris and Flora Mae Rogers Harris, Bill lived in Mississippi County all his life. He grew up with his six siblings. Bill was a dedicated student who only missed 1 half day of his high school career. He graduated from Charleston High School in 1963. After high school, he joined the National Guard and continued his service for six years. While serving, he won the Marksmanship (Rifle) award of his unit. He was honorably discharged in 1970. He was a member of the I.O.O.F Lodge of Charleston for a number of years. He was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Wyatt Baptist Church.

On April 6, 1968, he married the love of his life, Frances Virginia Hawes, who survives of the home. They then started their family and had their first child, William “Little Bill’ (Starla) Harris Jr., in 1970, who survives of East Prairie. They then continued and had their second born, Jonell (Kevin) Lynn Harris, in 1973, who survives of Charleston. He worked for Waterfront for 24 years as a lead mechanic. He then moved to INGRAM for 16 years on the barges as a tankerman until his retirement in 2011.

Bill and his wife joined Elm Street Baptist Church in 2005 and were very active and dedicated members. His love for the Lord was seen by everyone who knew him. He was always willing to witness to anyone who would listen. He was known for his never-ending humor and constant joke telling. He could always be found watching M*A*S*H* or Andy Griffith snuggled on the couch with his beloved dog, Toby. When asked how he was, he would always tell people he was, “Fine since 1909.”

Bill loved his grandkids and great grandkids who also survive. Surviving grandchildren Madelyn (Cody) Nally of Charleston, Samantha (Michael) Turner of East Prairie, William “Trey” Harris III of East Prairie, Abigail (Cole) McDermott of Charleston, and Thomas Harris of East Prairie. Surviving great grandchildren are Andrew Turner, Caroline Turner, Ora Jones, and Lowell Scott Jones. His surviving siblings include Virginia Bowles of Wyatt, Mary Stephens of Wyatt, Glenn (Judy) Harris of Wyatt, and Willie Harris of Wyatt, and a brother-in-law, Hank Verhelle of Michigan. Also surviving are a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Nola Verhelle, and his brother, James Harris.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Brother Jon Archie, pastor of Elm Street Baptist Church of Charleston, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Nally, Cole McDermott, Cody Jones, Michael Turner, Thomas Harris, and William (Trey) Harris III.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Elm Street Baptist Church, 2668 North Highway 105, Charleston, MO 63834.