Sunday, March 8th, 1942 - Wednesday, March 27th, 2024
A Memorial Service for William “Bill” Harris will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church of Enid, with Reverends Susan Southall and Nathan Oney officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall after the service, and all are invited to attend. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.
Bill was born on March 8, 1942, in Boulder Colorado to William J. and Betty Jane Harris. He graduated from Harding High School in Oklahoma City then attended Westminster College for two years, OU for one year, and graduated from Oklahoma City University,
In 1963 Bill started his banking career at Citizens National Bank in Oklahoma City. He then began working for the US Treasury Department as a National Bank Examiner. While examining First National Bank in Enid, he met the love of his life, Patsy (Bland) St. Clair, who was the secretary to the President of the bank. They married May 30, 1974 in Enid. In 1975, he joined First National Bank of Enid as Vice President & Comptroller. In 1979, Bill was elected President and in 1982 was elected President & CEO of First National Bank. He was quite active in various banking activities throughout his career.
It was during these banking days that he grew so fond of Enid, the community, and its residents. He would often say, “Enid is a really great town” and it became his hometown. He served on many civic boards including RSVP, Habitat for Humanity, Chautauqua, Enid Parks & Recreation, Garfield County Industrial Authority, Chairman of Enid Chamber of Commerce, Gaslight Theatre, and Founding member of Enid Red Dirt BBQ, and the past Budget Chairman of United Way of Enid. He and Patsy are members of First United Methodist Church and for many years he served as President of the Harris Foundation. He was also a strong advocate of Bennie’s Barn.
Bill fought the effects of Multiple Sclerosis for over 40 years. His warrior’s courage and determination kept him going. He was such a kind, loving man and will be missed by those who knew him.
Bill enjoyed attending the Good News Coffee Club and proudly proclaimed he had more phone apps than the rest. For about 30 years he also played monthly poker with his buddies. Bill also enjoyed many trips and vacations with his children and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother. Survivors are his wife Pat, son Neil (Traci) Harris of Enid, Wallisa (Mark) Stearman of Monument, Colorado, his sister-in-law, Collen Fliked, and loving little Sadie dog. Grandchildren, Danielle (Justin) Covalt, Brandon (Shelbi) Harris, Scott (Lacey) Harris. Loren (Katie) Stearman and Kate (Jason) Durkin and five great-grandchildren.
We will miss you Poppie always and forever!
Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to First United Methodist Church, Bennie’s Barn, Hospice Circle of Love, or FURever Friends with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.
The Harris family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of Hospice Circle of Love for their kind and compassionate care of not only Bill, but the entire family.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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