William Joseph “Bill” Harris, 38, of Tamaroa, passed away at 5:50 P.M., Sunday, September 7, 2014 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.
Bill had been a correctional officer at the Pinckneyville Correctional Center. He was also an operator for the Illinois Department of Transportation. Bill was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tamaroa. He enjoyed hunting, farming, fishing and being outdoors. He was a Little League coach and a coach for summer ball in Tamaroa. Bill was a U.S. Marine veteran serving from 1993 until 1997 and had the rank of Corporal.
He was born October 10, 1975 at Du Quoin, IL, the son of Steven and Janet (Kurtz) Harris.
He married Amy Wolters on October 16, 1999 at Winehill, IL and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Tamaroa, two daughters - Hannah Harris and Cheyenne Harris, both of Tamaroa, his parents - Steven and Janet Harris of Tamaroa, one brother - Jeff Harris and wife Angie of Tamaroa, one sister - Tiffany Kujawa and husband John of Tamaroa, one sister-in-law and brother-in-law - Lisa and Robert Batson of Jackson, MO, his maternal grandfather - Kenneth Kurtz of Du Bois, his father-in-law and mother-in-law - Don and Carol Wolters of Percy, six nieces and nephews - Kayla, Carson, Braden, Rileigh, Emma, and Claire, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother - Helen Kurtz, paternal grandfather - Hosea Harris, Sr. and uncle - Hosea Harris, Jr.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, September 11, 2014 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tamaroa with Fr. Joseph Oganda officiating.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 P.M., Wednesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tamaroa and from 9 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Thursday.
Burial will be in the Antioch Cemetery at Tamaroa.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the United States Marines.
Friends may make memorials to Bill’s daughters’ education fund with the memorials made to Amy Harris and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa is in charge of arrangements.