William Mercer Harris IV of Silverton, Oregon | 1925 - 2021 | Obituary
William Mercer Harris IV
April 16, 1925 - September 15, 2021
William Mercer Harris IV, aged 96 of Keizer, Oregon, died from pneumonia complications on Wednesday, September 15th at 8:40 in the evening at his nephew's home in Silverton, Oregon.
William was born in Georgeton, D.C, April 16th, 1925 to Olive Ruth Martin Harris (1890-1964) and William Oscar Harris (1896-1991) of Georgetown, D.C. William attended the Hyattsville, Maryland public schools until his enlistment at aged 17 in the United States Army Air Corps.
During his training, William attended Wofford College, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, 1943 for aircrew training, followed by graduation from the Army Air Corp Training Command at Maxwell Flight School in Montgomery, Alabama in 1944. William received his Silver Pilot Wings in 1944 at Freemen Field, Seymour, Indiana. He holds bachelor's degrees in: a double major in horticulture and chemistry from the University of Maryland with a minor in animal husbandry, a math degree from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and an engineering degree from the University of Wyoming, 1963.
William served in the Army Air Corps during WW2 from 1943 until 1944. After the war, he attended Temple University. He was then re called in 1950 and joined the United States Air Force, during the Korean War (1950-1953). After the Korean War, William continued in the military as his career. He served in the Viet Nam War as Commander of the Jolly Green Giants Helicopter Rescue Squadron operating out of Da Nang Air Base, 1971-72. In 1973 William became a member of the Order of Daedalius, for pilots. An organization established in 1918 to commemorate pilots and their bravery.
While most of William's career was stateside for most of his career, but was in Europe for 6 years, first in Spangdahlem AF Base, Germany, and then at Torrejon AF base in Spain in 1978. He served as a test pilot at Eglin AFB, Florida. Then, later, as a pilot for both jet and helicopter, as well as serving as a manager on many projects in the USAF until his retirement in 1980.
William grew up in primarily in Maryland and lived in many different towns including Montrose, and Hyattsville, with his family, including his sister, Helen Harris Fisher (1923-1975). He is also predeceased by his wife, Mary Ida Ferry Harris (1926-2016). They were married on November 17, 1944. He has lived all over the United States including Eglin AFB, Florida, 1953-1956, spending 6 months in Alamogordo, New Mexico for a temporary assignment, bringing his family. From 1956 until 1960, William was stationed at Andrews AF Base and lived in Carrollton, Maryland. In 1960, William was sent to the University of Wyoming in Laramie for a degree in mechanical engineering. He remained there for 27 months after which he was transferred to Edwards AF Base, California (1963-1966). He then moved to Camp Springs, Maryland (1966 -1971). William worked in downtown D.C. at the Navy Munitions Building. During that time, he worked on various projects including the A7D flighter. In 1968, William was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery to remove it. It was successful, so that, in 1969, William was placed back on flying status. He then was sent to complete his helicopter training. Thereafter, he was assigned in 1972, as commander in Da Nang AF Base, Viet Nam for rescue missions with the Jolly Green Giants. Under his leadership air evacuated 364 servicemen. After his tour in Viet Nam, William was stationed at Hill AF Base, Ogden, Utah in 1972-76. William was there for several years until his assignments in Germany 1976, and then Spain in 1978. He was then stationed at McGuire AFB in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until his retirement in 1980.
He and his wife Mary settled in Perdido Bay, Alabama. Later, they moved to Pensacola, Florida for 31 years or so. From Florida, they moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2011. After his wife's death in 2016, Bill moved to Eagleton, Colorado to live with his son, David. He was there a year and then moved to an independent living facility in Mt. Angel, Oregon. From Mt. Angel, William moved to Keizer, Oregon in June of 2021.
He has received many medals for his military career including the Medal of the Legion of Merit in 1975, Distinguished Flying Cross in 1972, as well as: the Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Viet Nam Gallantry Cross, The Viet Nam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, the Outstanding Unit Citation Medal, WW2 Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, The American Service Medal, and several more dating from the 1940's until the 1970's.
William became a believer at aged twenty in 1946. He was an active member of churches he attended including Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse's First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and Mcllwain Presbyterian Church in Pensacola, Florida. He had a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his savior and followed the Bible, reading it and memorizing it. William credits his healing from lymphomic cancer after his surgery to his total commitment to Christ in 1968. William was an elder in his Pensacola church for many years and actively served as a fill in preacher when needed throughout the presbytery. He served two terms as the Presbytery Moderator and preached throughout the south as a guest speaker and at the Christian Women's Club. He also served on the Church Planting committee for two years and then for two more as the chairman. Under his leadership, several churches were planted from Mobile, Al. to Madison, Florida. He was an outstanding evangelist, leading men and women and children to the Lord. He had a heart for sharing Jesus with others. William also taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School for many years. He loved to tell Bible stories with much dramatization!
As well, William loved to play golf, listen to music and to dance. He was also an expert marksmen and earned many awards for pistol target shooting and served on several military pistol shooting teams. He was a good horseman and owned and rode horses while living in California. He was a fast runner in his youth, but for an injury, he would have competed in the Olympics in the early 1940's. He loved to joke and tell a good funny story. He loved people and people loved him as he related to folks on many levels. He was a good husband, a great father, and a devoted grandpa. He spent as much time with his family as he could. He loved nature and instilled a love of it in his children, revealing God's creation to them. He liked to go hiking, and visiting National Parks, as well as simple rock climbing, and camping.
His immediate surviving family includes his children, Mary Kathryn Harris Dixon, David Mercer Harris, and Judith Anne Harris Hiller as well as 15 grandchildren and more than 45 great grandchildren.
The intimate military honors service is to be held on October 4th, 2021 at the Willamette National Cemetery, with family and a few friends in attendance.
We wish to thank William's grandson, Luke and his wife Amber for their loving care during William's final days. Thank you so much
https://www.ungerfuneralchapel.com/obituary/william-harris-iv
William Mercer Harris IV
April 16, 1925 - September 15, 2021
William Mercer Harris IV, aged 96 of Keizer, Oregon, died from pneumonia complications on Wednesday, September 15th at 8:40 in the evening at his nephew's home in Silverton, Oregon.
William was born in Georgeton, D.C, April 16th, 1925 to Olive Ruth Martin Harris (1890-1964) and William Oscar Harris (1896-1991) of Georgetown, D.C. William attended the Hyattsville, Maryland public schools until his enlistment at aged 17 in the United States Army Air Corps.
During his training, William attended Wofford College, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, 1943 for aircrew training, followed by graduation from the Army Air Corp Training Command at Maxwell Flight School in Montgomery, Alabama in 1944. William received his Silver Pilot Wings in 1944 at Freemen Field, Seymour, Indiana. He holds bachelor's degrees in: a double major in horticulture and chemistry from the University of Maryland with a minor in animal husbandry, a math degree from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and an engineering degree from the University of Wyoming, 1963.
William served in the Army Air Corps during WW2 from 1943 until 1944. After the war, he attended Temple University. He was then re called in 1950 and joined the United States Air Force, during the Korean War (1950-1953). After the Korean War, William continued in the military as his career. He served in the Viet Nam War as Commander of the Jolly Green Giants Helicopter Rescue Squadron operating out of Da Nang Air Base, 1971-72. In 1973 William became a member of the Order of Daedalius, for pilots. An organization established in 1918 to commemorate pilots and their bravery.
While most of William's career was stateside for most of his career, but was in Europe for 6 years, first in Spangdahlem AF Base, Germany, and then at Torrejon AF base in Spain in 1978. He served as a test pilot at Eglin AFB, Florida. Then, later, as a pilot for both jet and helicopter, as well as serving as a manager on many projects in the USAF until his retirement in 1980.
William grew up in primarily in Maryland and lived in many different towns including Montrose, and Hyattsville, with his family, including his sister, Helen Harris Fisher (1923-1975). He is also predeceased by his wife, Mary Ida Ferry Harris (1926-2016). They were married on November 17, 1944. He has lived all over the United States including Eglin AFB, Florida, 1953-1956, spending 6 months in Alamogordo, New Mexico for a temporary assignment, bringing his family. From 1956 until 1960, William was stationed at Andrews AF Base and lived in Carrollton, Maryland. In 1960, William was sent to the University of Wyoming in Laramie for a degree in mechanical engineering. He remained there for 27 months after which he was transferred to Edwards AF Base, California (1963-1966). He then moved to Camp Springs, Maryland (1966 -1971). William worked in downtown D.C. at the Navy Munitions Building. During that time, he worked on various projects including the A7D flighter. In 1968, William was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery to remove it. It was successful, so that, in 1969, William was placed back on flying status. He then was sent to complete his helicopter training. Thereafter, he was assigned in 1972, as commander in Da Nang AF Base, Viet Nam for rescue missions with the Jolly Green Giants. Under his leadership air evacuated 364 servicemen. After his tour in Viet Nam, William was stationed at Hill AF Base, Ogden, Utah in 1972-76. William was there for several years until his assignments in Germany 1976, and then Spain in 1978. He was then stationed at McGuire AFB in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until his retirement in 1980.
He and his wife Mary settled in Perdido Bay, Alabama. Later, they moved to Pensacola, Florida for 31 years or so. From Florida, they moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2011. After his wife's death in 2016, Bill moved to Eagleton, Colorado to live with his son, David. He was there a year and then moved to an independent living facility in Mt. Angel, Oregon. From Mt. Angel, William moved to Keizer, Oregon in June of 2021.
He has received many medals for his military career including the Medal of the Legion of Merit in 1975, Distinguished Flying Cross in 1972, as well as: the Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Viet Nam Gallantry Cross, The Viet Nam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, the Outstanding Unit Citation Medal, WW2 Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, The American Service Medal, and several more dating from the 1940's until the 1970's.
William became a believer at aged twenty in 1946. He was an active member of churches he attended including Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse's First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and Mcllwain Presbyterian Church in Pensacola, Florida. He had a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his savior and followed the Bible, reading it and memorizing it. William credits his healing from lymphomic cancer after his surgery to his total commitment to Christ in 1968. William was an elder in his Pensacola church for many years and actively served as a fill in preacher when needed throughout the presbytery. He served two terms as the Presbytery Moderator and preached throughout the south as a guest speaker and at the Christian Women's Club. He also served on the Church Planting committee for two years and then for two more as the chairman. Under his leadership, several churches were planted from Mobile, Al. to Madison, Florida. He was an outstanding evangelist, leading men and women and children to the Lord. He had a heart for sharing Jesus with others. William also taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School for many years. He loved to tell Bible stories with much dramatization!
As well, William loved to play golf, listen to music and to dance. He was also an expert marksmen and earned many awards for pistol target shooting and served on several military pistol shooting teams. He was a good horseman and owned and rode horses while living in California. He was a fast runner in his youth, but for an injury, he would have competed in the Olympics in the early 1940's. He loved to joke and tell a good funny story. He loved people and people loved him as he related to folks on many levels. He was a good husband, a great father, and a devoted grandpa. He spent as much time with his family as he could. He loved nature and instilled a love of it in his children, revealing God's creation to them. He liked to go hiking, and visiting National Parks, as well as simple rock climbing, and camping.
His immediate surviving family includes his children, Mary Kathryn Harris Dixon, David Mercer Harris, and Judith Anne Harris Hiller as well as 15 grandchildren and more than 45 great grandchildren.
The intimate military honors service is to be held on October 4th, 2021 at the Willamette National Cemetery, with family and a few friends in attendance.
We wish to thank William's grandson, Luke and his wife Amber for their loving care during William's final days. Thank you so much
https://www.ungerfuneralchapel.com/obituary/william-harris-iv
William Mercer Harris IV of Silverton, Oregon | 1925 - 2021 | Obituary
William Mercer Harris IV
April 16, 1925 - September 15, 2021
William Mercer Harris IV, aged 96 of Keizer, Oregon, died from pneumonia complications on Wednesday, September 15th at 8:40 in the evening at his nephew's home in Silverton, Oregon.
William was born in Georgeton, D.C, April 16th, 1925 to Olive Ruth Martin Harris (1890-1964) and William Oscar Harris (1896-1991) of Georgetown, D.C. William attended the Hyattsville, Maryland public schools until his enlistment at aged 17 in the United States Army Air Corps.
During his training, William attended Wofford College, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, 1943 for aircrew training, followed by graduation from the Army Air Corp Training Command at Maxwell Flight School in Montgomery, Alabama in 1944. William received his Silver Pilot Wings in 1944 at Freemen Field, Seymour, Indiana. He holds bachelor's degrees in: a double major in horticulture and chemistry from the University of Maryland with a minor in animal husbandry, a math degree from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and an engineering degree from the University of Wyoming, 1963.
William served in the Army Air Corps during WW2 from 1943 until 1944. After the war, he attended Temple University. He was then re called in 1950 and joined the United States Air Force, during the Korean War (1950-1953). After the Korean War, William continued in the military as his career. He served in the Viet Nam War as Commander of the Jolly Green Giants Helicopter Rescue Squadron operating out of Da Nang Air Base, 1971-72. In 1973 William became a member of the Order of Daedalius, for pilots. An organization established in 1918 to commemorate pilots and their bravery.
While most of William's career was stateside for most of his career, but was in Europe for 6 years, first in Spangdahlem AF Base, Germany, and then at Torrejon AF base in Spain in 1978. He served as a test pilot at Eglin AFB, Florida. Then, later, as a pilot for both jet and helicopter, as well as serving as a manager on many projects in the USAF until his retirement in 1980.
William grew up in primarily in Maryland and lived in many different towns including Montrose, and Hyattsville, with his family, including his sister, Helen Harris Fisher (1923-1975). He is also predeceased by his wife, Mary Ida Ferry Harris (1926-2016). They were married on November 17, 1944. He has lived all over the United States including Eglin AFB, Florida, 1953-1956, spending 6 months in Alamogordo, New Mexico for a temporary assignment, bringing his family. From 1956 until 1960, William was stationed at Andrews AF Base and lived in Carrollton, Maryland. In 1960, William was sent to the University of Wyoming in Laramie for a degree in mechanical engineering. He remained there for 27 months after which he was transferred to Edwards AF Base, California (1963-1966). He then moved to Camp Springs, Maryland (1966 -1971). William worked in downtown D.C. at the Navy Munitions Building. During that time, he worked on various projects including the A7D flighter. In 1968, William was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery to remove it. It was successful, so that, in 1969, William was placed back on flying status. He then was sent to complete his helicopter training. Thereafter, he was assigned in 1972, as commander in Da Nang AF Base, Viet Nam for rescue missions with the Jolly Green Giants. Under his leadership air evacuated 364 servicemen. After his tour in Viet Nam, William was stationed at Hill AF Base, Ogden, Utah in 1972-76. William was there for several years until his assignments in Germany 1976, and then Spain in 1978. He was then stationed at McGuire AFB in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until his retirement in 1980.
He and his wife Mary settled in Perdido Bay, Alabama. Later, they moved to Pensacola, Florida for 31 years or so. From Florida, they moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2011. After his wife's death in 2016, Bill moved to Eagleton, Colorado to live with his son, David. He was there a year and then moved to an independent living facility in Mt. Angel, Oregon. From Mt. Angel, William moved to Keizer, Oregon in June of 2021.
He has received many medals for his military career including the Medal of the Legion of Merit in 1975, Distinguished Flying Cross in 1972, as well as: the Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Viet Nam Gallantry Cross, The Viet Nam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, the Outstanding Unit Citation Medal, WW2 Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, The American Service Medal, and several more dating from the 1940's until the 1970's.
William became a believer at aged twenty in 1946. He was an active member of churches he attended including Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse's First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and Mcllwain Presbyterian Church in Pensacola, Florida. He had a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his savior and followed the Bible, reading it and memorizing it. William credits his healing from lymphomic cancer after his surgery to his total commitment to Christ in 1968. William was an elder in his Pensacola church for many years and actively served as a fill in preacher when needed throughout the presbytery. He served two terms as the Presbytery Moderator and preached throughout the south as a guest speaker and at the Christian Women's Club. He also served on the Church Planting committee for two years and then for two more as the chairman. Under his leadership, several churches were planted from Mobile, Al. to Madison, Florida. He was an outstanding evangelist, leading men and women and children to the Lord. He had a heart for sharing Jesus with others. William also taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School for many years. He loved to tell Bible stories with much dramatization!
As well, William loved to play golf, listen to music and to dance. He was also an expert marksmen and earned many awards for pistol target shooting and served on several military pistol shooting teams. He was a good horseman and owned and rode horses while living in California. He was a fast runner in his youth, but for an injury, he would have competed in the Olympics in the early 1940's. He loved to joke and tell a good funny story. He loved people and people loved him as he related to folks on many levels. He was a good husband, a great father, and a devoted grandpa. He spent as much time with his family as he could. He loved nature and instilled a love of it in his children, revealing God's creation to them. He liked to go hiking, and visiting National Parks, as well as simple rock climbing, and camping.
His immediate surviving family includes his children, Mary Kathryn Harris Dixon, David Mercer Harris, and Judith Anne Harris Hiller as well as 15 grandchildren and more than 45 great grandchildren.
The intimate military honors service is to be held on October 4th, 2021 at the Willamette National Cemetery, with family and a few friends in attendance.
We wish to thank William's grandson, Luke and his wife Amber for their loving care during William's final days. Thank you so much
https://www.ungerfuneralchapel.com/obituary/william-harris-iv
William Mercer Harris IV
April 16, 1925 - September 15, 2021
William Mercer Harris IV, aged 96 of Keizer, Oregon, died from pneumonia complications on Wednesday, September 15th at 8:40 in the evening at his nephew's home in Silverton, Oregon.
William was born in Georgeton, D.C, April 16th, 1925 to Olive Ruth Martin Harris (1890-1964) and William Oscar Harris (1896-1991) of Georgetown, D.C. William attended the Hyattsville, Maryland public schools until his enlistment at aged 17 in the United States Army Air Corps.
During his training, William attended Wofford College, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, 1943 for aircrew training, followed by graduation from the Army Air Corp Training Command at Maxwell Flight School in Montgomery, Alabama in 1944. William received his Silver Pilot Wings in 1944 at Freemen Field, Seymour, Indiana. He holds bachelor's degrees in: a double major in horticulture and chemistry from the University of Maryland with a minor in animal husbandry, a math degree from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and an engineering degree from the University of Wyoming, 1963.
William served in the Army Air Corps during WW2 from 1943 until 1944. After the war, he attended Temple University. He was then re called in 1950 and joined the United States Air Force, during the Korean War (1950-1953). After the Korean War, William continued in the military as his career. He served in the Viet Nam War as Commander of the Jolly Green Giants Helicopter Rescue Squadron operating out of Da Nang Air Base, 1971-72. In 1973 William became a member of the Order of Daedalius, for pilots. An organization established in 1918 to commemorate pilots and their bravery.
While most of William's career was stateside for most of his career, but was in Europe for 6 years, first in Spangdahlem AF Base, Germany, and then at Torrejon AF base in Spain in 1978. He served as a test pilot at Eglin AFB, Florida. Then, later, as a pilot for both jet and helicopter, as well as serving as a manager on many projects in the USAF until his retirement in 1980.
William grew up in primarily in Maryland and lived in many different towns including Montrose, and Hyattsville, with his family, including his sister, Helen Harris Fisher (1923-1975). He is also predeceased by his wife, Mary Ida Ferry Harris (1926-2016). They were married on November 17, 1944. He has lived all over the United States including Eglin AFB, Florida, 1953-1956, spending 6 months in Alamogordo, New Mexico for a temporary assignment, bringing his family. From 1956 until 1960, William was stationed at Andrews AF Base and lived in Carrollton, Maryland. In 1960, William was sent to the University of Wyoming in Laramie for a degree in mechanical engineering. He remained there for 27 months after which he was transferred to Edwards AF Base, California (1963-1966). He then moved to Camp Springs, Maryland (1966 -1971). William worked in downtown D.C. at the Navy Munitions Building. During that time, he worked on various projects including the A7D flighter. In 1968, William was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery to remove it. It was successful, so that, in 1969, William was placed back on flying status. He then was sent to complete his helicopter training. Thereafter, he was assigned in 1972, as commander in Da Nang AF Base, Viet Nam for rescue missions with the Jolly Green Giants. Under his leadership air evacuated 364 servicemen. After his tour in Viet Nam, William was stationed at Hill AF Base, Ogden, Utah in 1972-76. William was there for several years until his assignments in Germany 1976, and then Spain in 1978. He was then stationed at McGuire AFB in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until his retirement in 1980.
He and his wife Mary settled in Perdido Bay, Alabama. Later, they moved to Pensacola, Florida for 31 years or so. From Florida, they moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2011. After his wife's death in 2016, Bill moved to Eagleton, Colorado to live with his son, David. He was there a year and then moved to an independent living facility in Mt. Angel, Oregon. From Mt. Angel, William moved to Keizer, Oregon in June of 2021.
He has received many medals for his military career including the Medal of the Legion of Merit in 1975, Distinguished Flying Cross in 1972, as well as: the Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Viet Nam Gallantry Cross, The Viet Nam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, the Outstanding Unit Citation Medal, WW2 Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, The American Service Medal, and several more dating from the 1940's until the 1970's.
William became a believer at aged twenty in 1946. He was an active member of churches he attended including Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse's First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and Mcllwain Presbyterian Church in Pensacola, Florida. He had a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his savior and followed the Bible, reading it and memorizing it. William credits his healing from lymphomic cancer after his surgery to his total commitment to Christ in 1968. William was an elder in his Pensacola church for many years and actively served as a fill in preacher when needed throughout the presbytery. He served two terms as the Presbytery Moderator and preached throughout the south as a guest speaker and at the Christian Women's Club. He also served on the Church Planting committee for two years and then for two more as the chairman. Under his leadership, several churches were planted from Mobile, Al. to Madison, Florida. He was an outstanding evangelist, leading men and women and children to the Lord. He had a heart for sharing Jesus with others. William also taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School for many years. He loved to tell Bible stories with much dramatization!
As well, William loved to play golf, listen to music and to dance. He was also an expert marksmen and earned many awards for pistol target shooting and served on several military pistol shooting teams. He was a good horseman and owned and rode horses while living in California. He was a fast runner in his youth, but for an injury, he would have competed in the Olympics in the early 1940's. He loved to joke and tell a good funny story. He loved people and people loved him as he related to folks on many levels. He was a good husband, a great father, and a devoted grandpa. He spent as much time with his family as he could. He loved nature and instilled a love of it in his children, revealing God's creation to them. He liked to go hiking, and visiting National Parks, as well as simple rock climbing, and camping.
His immediate surviving family includes his children, Mary Kathryn Harris Dixon, David Mercer Harris, and Judith Anne Harris Hiller as well as 15 grandchildren and more than 45 great grandchildren.
The intimate military honors service is to be held on October 4th, 2021 at the Willamette National Cemetery, with family and a few friends in attendance.
We wish to thank William's grandson, Luke and his wife Amber for their loving care during William's final days. Thank you so much
https://www.ungerfuneralchapel.com/obituary/william-harris-iv
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