Mr. William Robert Harris, better known as Bill, age 84 of Crossville, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Life Care Center of Crossville.

William Robert Harris was born on the third of May 1939 in the Hickory Valley Community of White County, the only  child of the late Robert Samuel and Nannie Velna Haston Harris.

His education started at Hickory Valley Elementary School, then WCHS where he was active with several organizations and a member of the football team, Tennessee Tech, then Hiwassee College where he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams. Bill obtained his bachelors from Southern Illinois University and ultimately his masters from Central Michigan.

Bill joined the Air Force on October 10, 1960 and discharged after four years of service. Following his service, he worked in the public sector and thought the Air Force was not that bad so he rejoined in February 1966 for 23 more years and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant  His Air Force career took him to almost 50 countries and a ride on the Orient Express. His love of traveling carried over to visiting all 50 United States.

In his retirement, he served as an Executive Director of Upper Cumberland Teen Ranch; enjoyed hiking and playing softball where he competed in the Senior National Games in Houston, Texas. He was an avid sports fan including UT, Nashville Predators, Memphis Grizzlies, Baltimore Orioles since 1954 and a Titans season ticket holder for their first 20 years in Nashville.  His love for traveling and sports was in addition to his love of history and classic rock music.

Survivors include his son Chris Harris and wife Stephanie of Camden, S.C.

Granddaughters: Brittany and Kacee

Several great-grandchildren and cousins also survive

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, November 25, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Veterans' Honor Guard will follow in Fraser's Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 10:00am Saturday at Hunter Funeral Home.