William R Harris

William "Bill" Rex Harris, 71, passed away at his home in Grangeville Idaho on Sunday, May 14, 2023 with his wife at his side. Bill was born on July 14, 1951 in Grangeville to Wesley and Lita (Jones) Harris. He joined a sister, Barbara (Turner). They were later joined by Margot, Gina, and Wayne. Bill graduated high school in 1969 and enlisted in the Marines. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1970. In August of 1971 he met the love of his life, Diane Brown. The two were married in March of 1972. He left the Marines that year as a Corporal. Bill and Diane welcomed their first child, Christi (Johnson) in January of 1973. Afew years later they welcomed a second daughter, Jessica, in October of 1978. Bill lived and worked in Grangeville most of his life. He was employed by Ida-Pine Mills until they shut down in 1994. He then moved to Boise and enrolled at BSU, majoring in horticulture. He worked as a groundskeeper there. He later returned to Grangeville and worked for Idaho Forest Group for a short time before finally retiring.

Bill loved the outdoors. Camping, fishing, and gold panning were a few of his favorite things. And he loved his family. His two daughters blessed him with six amazing grandchildren, Brian, Tyler, Steven, Braden, Jared, and Abby. Then came his great grandson, Kycen, on Christmas day in 2017. Bill loved spending time with him. The two had a very special bond. Bill was a man of few words, but he loved his family fiercely. He was kind, gentle, honest, hardworking and humble. He was a good man.

Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Gina, his father, Wesley, and his mother Lita.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Diane, his daughters Christi and Jessica, his grandchildren, great grandson, sisters Barbara and Margot, brother Wayne, and his stepfather, Bill Jones. Also, many nieces and nephews who he loved as his own.

A graveside service was held Friday, May 19, 2023 at Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at blackmerfuneralhome.com.

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