William Howard Harris Sr.

William Howard Harris, Sr., 82, went from labor to reward on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, peacefully in his home with loved ones by his side. Born in Seneca, South Carolina (Oconee County) to the late Dollie Mae Brown (Smith) and Booker T. Harris. William was raised in Lancaster County after his family migrated North to Columbia, Pennsylvania. He was married to the late, Loretta Mae Boynes-Harris, where they shared 48 years of marriage. He was a proud graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. William was a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Taipei, Taiwan working towards peace and resolution. After his time serving, he returned to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he worked at Flexsteel Industries for 43 years, and later retired as a quality control inspector. William attended Phrear School of Theology for a year, where he gained deeper knowledge and praxis in Biblical and Church Studies. William served in the Central Baptist Association for over 30 years. After years of service, he became president of the Central Baptist Association Layman Ministries, and later became the Pennsylvania State Baptist President of the Layman Movement Ministries, where he served for four years. He served as a dedicated Deacon Emeritus at his home church, the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Lancaster, PA where he was a member since 1952. He served in the Food Bank Ministry for over 20 years. William was a member of the Senior Choir and active with Sunday School. He participated in Demonstrators Against Drug Dealing (D.A.D.D.) and was an encourager of community upliftment and neighborhood clean-ups in the Southeast sector of Lancaster. Everyone knew William was a proud and passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan. William is survived by two children, William Howard Harris, Jr., wife Vanessa and Alicia L. Harris-Lundy; a sister Rosa M. Smith, sisters-in-law, Rose Cooper and Elder Mary Bair, seven grandchildren Brandon Stewart, Phillip Harris, wife Kathryn, Tanay Lynn Harris, Sherell Harris, Jamaal Lundy, Tre’ Lundy and Darian Lundy, Jr., and a great-grandchild, Amon Jelani Wooten. William cherished his cousin, Rebecca Gantz, who he grew up with and shared a special bond. He will be missed by a huge host of nieces, nephews and cousins, whom he loved and adored. Additionally, he will be missed by a dear and special friend, Nettie Miller Cross. Relatives, friends and community are respectfully invited to attend William’s Life Celebration Service on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 12:30 p.m. at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 701 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA, with Rev. Roland P. Forbes, Jr. officiating. Friends are welcome for the viewing hour beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the service at Conestoga Memorial Park.