William Lee Harris, Jr.

William Lee Harris, Jr., of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, while in the Emergency Room at UPMC, Farrell, Pennsylvania. William, 78, was born April 19, 1946, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to the late William Lee Harris and Mary Elizabeth (Thomas) Harris.

William had multiple nicknames, similar to many individuals. Amongst his family and friends, he was called Bunny, being born on Good Friday, and for some, he was affectionately called “Bucket Head” which he fondly embraced.

He graduated from Farrell High School in 1963 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. During his enlistment, he served in the 6th Fleet on the USS Saratoga and on the USS Mercer during his deployment to Vietnam. While in the Navy, William was certified as a trained electrician and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged from his duties in 1971.

Following his return home to Farrell, William was gainfully employed by: The Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania (Sharon, Pennsylvania); The Greenville Steel Car Company (Greenville, Pennsylvania); and Farrell Area School District. He was a member of the Greater Morris Chapel A.M.E. Church, Farrell.

In his spare time, William enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles. He especially enjoyed reading mystery books. He was also a huge baseball and football fan. Notably, he was a fan of both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Braves. He was an avid viewer of the daily soap operas. His main go to was "The Young & The Restless” and “The Bold & The Beautiful". He made it clear to never schedule his appointments until the soaps went off the air and everyone knew it! Lastly, he like many of us had a competitive spirit and expressed it when playing Bid Whist and Spades. He loved making you rise!

William leaves to cherish his memory an adopted daughter, Laveeta Burns Atwood (Jimmy) of Farrell; brothers, Danny R. Harris (Dorothy) of Suwanee, Georgia, and Larry B. Harris (Deborah) of Farmington Hills, Michigan; sister, Patricia E. Harris of Farmington Hills; nieces, Dior Maclin, Trina Hibler, and Rolana Harris; nephew, Sean Harris; great nieces, London Maclin, Lacey Maclin, and Ava Hosey; and great nephews, Evan Hosey, Lance Maclin, Jr., and Bryson Harris.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and the love of his life, Ms. Irene Burns.

A memorial service to honor William will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM, at the Greater Morris Chapel A.M.E., 926 Darr Avenue, Farrell, Pennsylvania 16121, with military honors rendered by the West Middlesex & Wheatland Honor Guard. He will be laid to rest at Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at: www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Memorial contributions can be made to the Wheatland American Legion, 2 Cherry Street, Wheatland, Pennsylvania 16161.

Coordination of this tribute for Mr. Harris was conducted by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, Brookfield, Ohio. (330-509-3135)