Billy Wayne Harris

Billy Wayne Harris was so many things to so many people.  His relationships were different and special with everyone as individuals, and important common threads throughout all of them defined his character.

Billy was a leader in every sense.  He had a quick witted personality with an incredibly sharp intellect and a wonderful heart.  He was a successful man having provided very well for his family and he earned every penny.  Billy needed or wanted very little, however, he would much rather spend his time with friends on boating trips, backyard cookouts, on the golf course, or on family vacations.  He and his family were able to travel and live abroad to experience exciting things that many will not.  He was an athletic man with speed and coordination.  He played many sports as a kid including quarterback and pole vaulting in high school and later in life was an accomplished golfer that always made the winning putt in the clutch.  A true competitor, Billy fought until the final bell.

His life was based on integrity and his word was his bond.  Trust was something you had to earn, and it was expected, but it was also returned.  Words like trust, faith, friendship, family and love were not words to be used lightly.  One always knew where they stood with Billy, so he didn’t have to say I love you as often as some do.  You just knew.  However, when you did hear it, it just seemed to mean more.

Billy was a dedicated family man that was very proud.  He loved his wife Mary Eloise, his sons, Jerry and Michael, and daughter, Brooke as absolutely as much as a person could; and his three grandchildren put the sparkle in his eyes.  He was proud of each one of our successes and was forgiving if we were mistaken.  He loved us all differently as different people but loved us all equally all the while.  He family extended to daughters-in-law and a son-in-law, all of whom he welcomed without hesitation or reservation.  Family was also in some of his friendships growing up and he loved a very special, select few like brothers.

Lastly, but most importantly, Billy was a Christian who was Saved and Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ the Savior.  As funerals, or in this case, memorials, they are according to Billy for those left to mourn.  Grieve if you must, but do not cry, as he had a wonderful life and many that loved him.  The suffering is finally over and he is where all Christians aspire to be… in Heaven with God and those gone before, who were patiently waiting for him.  He is Home.

A heartfelt Thanks to Billy’s church family at Trinity Baptist Church for their outpouring of Love, Prayers, Generosity, and Support.

The Family would like to express special thanks to Emily Blanchard and Caroline Blanding and all the healthcare professionals at Best Hospice Care of Texas.  Words can not express how much the family appreciates all they did for Billy and the entire family. 

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Verna Harris; a brother, Ronnie Harris, and a sister, Sadie Forston.

Billy is survived by loving wife of 42 years, Mary Eloise “Elly” Harris; sons, Jerry Sanford, and wife, Lynae, of Orange, TX, and Michael Harris, and wife, Terea, of Bridge City, TX; a daughter, Brooke Martin, and husband, Heath, of Canton, TX; grandchildren, Dyllon Sanford, and wife Rebekah, Rebecca Sanford, and Gavin Martin; brothers, Kenneth “Butch” Harris, and wife, Doris, of Bridge City, TX, and Jimmy Harris, and wife, Rhonda, of Arkansas; as well as  numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

The Family will receive friends on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Trinity Baptist Church, 1819 16th St., Orange, TX with a Memorial Service to follow immediately at 12:00pm.

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