William Allen "Bill" Harris, age 84, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, in Grayling, Michigan. Born on November 10, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, Bill lived a full and vibrant life marked by hard work, dedication to family and community, and a love for adventure.

Bill graduated as Class President from Perry High School, Perry, Michigan in 1959. His first job was at Morrice Grain and Bean in Morrice, Michigan. In 1963, he started his career as a plumber, earning the title of Master Plumber in the mid-1970s. In 1979, he founded Perry Plumbing in Perry. Shortly thereafter, he partnered with his best friend and brother-of-the-heart, Dale Grennell. Together they successfully ran the business for two decades until their retirement. His work ethic and commitment to helping others were evident not only in his career but also in his service to the community.

Bill’s love of travel began by taking his family on numerous camping trips around Northern Michigan that also included longer trips to Yellowstone, the East Coast and Florida. Upon retiring, Bill and Linda continued to embrace their adventurous spirits by traveling extensively across the United States in their RV. Their journeys took them to Alaska, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, and beyond. They often worked as campground hosts during their travels while returning to Northern Michigan each summer until settling permanently in Grayling in 2020 to be closer to family.

Bill and Linda were married at Perry Baptist Church on May 6, 1961. Over the years they attended many community churches during their travels but held memberships at West Locke Wesleyan Church and Lovells Community Chapel—both of which held special significance for them.

A man of many interests and talents, Bill was known for his outgoing nature and ability to make friends wherever he went. He had a passion for U of M football and all things John Deere. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, singing karaoke, playing cards with friends and loved ones, reading, and spending quality time with his family—especially his grandchildren. His dedication to family extended into coaching his children’s baseball teams and using his plumbing expertise to assist those in need within the community. Additionally, he served as Locke Township Supervisor.

Bill is survived by Linda, his devoted wife of nearly 65 years; their children Kristy; Jeff (Jean); Brian (Stacey); grandchildren Forrest (Michelle) and Mitchell Harris; Shelby (Peter) and Megan Stuart; Victoria (Ben) Barak, Gabrielle (Ben) Tello and Bradley (Bree) Harris; great-grandchildren Sophie; Marleigh and Rowan; as well as several nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.

He was predeceased by his parents Forrest and Charlotte Harris; his brother David Rowlison; and his mother and father-in-law Helen and Clayton Helms.

Bill’s legacy is one of love for family, faithfulness to friends, service to others, and an enduring zest for life’s adventures. May those who knew him find comfort in the memories they shared with him. Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels of Crawford County Commission on Aging or Lovells Community Chapel in appreciation for all of their support. The family would also like to thank Crawford County Continuing Care Center for their compassionate and expert care since November.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held later this summer.

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.