William Edward Harris, 85, retired operator for Monsanto Chemical Company and resident of Columbia, died Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Maury Regional Medical Center.
A graveside service will be conducted Thursday at 2:30 P.M. at Polk Memorial Gardens with Andrew Phillips officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Condolences maybe be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
Born April 16, 1938, in Maury County, he was the son of the late O.M. Harris, Jr. and the late Mary Elizabeth Stanfill Harris. He was a 1956 graduate of Columbia Central High School. He was a paperboy for the Columbia Daily Herald. Mr. Harris worked for Monsanto Chemical Company and Solutia until his retirement in 1999. Mr. Harris enjoyed woodworking and was a member of Wood Den Carving club for many years. He loved farming, horseback riding, and spending time with his family. He was a member of Graymere Church of Christ where he served as Deacon for many years. Eddie and Nora worked in the benevolence program where they were in charge of the Outreach Center. Mr. Harris was an avid supporter of Boy Scouts of America, where he served as Scout Master of Troop #103 for a number of years. He was camping chairman of the Duck River District. He was honored with the Duck River District Long Rifle Award, Order of the Arrow. Eddie was active for many years in the Bridle and Saddle Club.
Survivors include his wife, whom he married May 28, 1960, Nora Williams Harris of Columbia; daughter, Michelle (Robert) Dominguez of Franklin; brother, George Martin (Dianne) Harris of Estill Springs; sister, Donna (Carl) Leland of Columbia; grandchildren, Robert William “Bo” Dominguez, Emmeline Grace Dominguez; brothers-in-law, Rea Grissom of Huntsville; Bill Shouse of Murfreesboro; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Gail Grissom and Theresa Shouse.
Active pallbearers will be Bill Grissom, Marty Leland, Marc Payne, Brian Hay, Jon St. Clair, and Steven Seaton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the Churches of Christ Disaster Fund or Graymere Church of Christ.
