William Harris

All of my family and friends are invited to my surprise celebration. It is a surprise because I, Mac (William) Harris, 73, of Russells Point, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at my home. I was born in Indianapolis Indiana and was the second child and only son of the late William J. Harris and the late Anna Jane (McLane) Harris Hester.

Hosting the celebration of the life I lived will be my daughter, Beth Harris Ferguson Gaston and son-in-law Paul Gaston; my two grandchildren Ann (Shawn) Ross and Benjamin McLane Gaston; great grandchildren Colby Ross and Sadie Ross; and also Rob and Norma Jackson. I loved you and were proud of all of you. I also leave behind my sister Lennis Green Binkley.

I lived a full life on my terms. In my early years I spent summers on the beach in Culver, Indiana, with my maternal grandparents and following my paternal grandmother around on her summer job as the supervisor for YMCA summer parks programs in Indianapolis. In school I played in sports and excelled in baseball and basketball at Belle Center High School. I was known for my sense of humor and antics like driving my hearse backwards from Kenton to Belle Center and putting sheep in the second floor of Belle Center High School. I had a restless spirit and a need for speed and owned a racing boat. It is probably a good thing that my dad was a really big guy and was there to keep me in line. My mother was a saint.

My career started off rocky but I was a hard worker and went from packing trucks on the dock at the IGA warehouse to paint and auto body work at Graham Chevrolet. My big city break came when I was hired at MIDVO in Dublin, Ohio. I traveled a large territory throughout the eastern United States to help make training opportunities available for technical school students to learn the skills to work on Volkswagen brand auto engines. I know you’re jealous to hear that my travels took me to exotic places like Paducah, KY. I continued my career path in the auto industry and retired as an auto insurance adjuster. You know the guy who gets to decide if your car is totaled.

Many of you may know me from my post retirement hobby. I was an avid golfer all my adult life. So much so, that between work and golf, I may have missed out on a lot of family time. I did quite well with golf if I do say so myself. Anyway, that brings me to how many of you know me. I made custom golf clubs for many people over the years or may have played golf with you.

Along with my golfing, I was a musician and played the drums with local bands. My daughter did not follow in my musical footsteps and quit playing honky tonk bars with me at the age of four. My other passions included fast cars, boats, and traveling. Anywhere with white sand, blue ocean waves and palm trees was preferred.

I was a member of Bellefontaine Elks Lodge #132, Indian Lake Moose Lodge #1533 and Sons of Amvets Post 39. I loved my community and was active with several community organizations and charities.

My bon voyage will be on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 from 3-7 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine. My family invites you to come and share in this celebration. Casual dress is appropriate. They do understand if you cannot attend. In that case raise a glass, make a toast to our friendship and know that we will meet again my friend. Life is short. Eat the cake, enjoy your life and spend time with family and friends. Love you all. A private family burial service will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Bellefontaine.

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