William "Bill" Harris, Jr.

William “Bill” Harris was born June 10, 1939 in Cle Elum, Washington to William and Hazel (Newton) Harris.  He spent his childhood farming with his family on Peoh Point and also helping out on the Newton family ranch.  He also enjoyed hunting when he was younger, and it was always a fun time at the Newton ranch during hunting season.

Bill graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1957 and later Central Washington State College with a degree in business. As a junior in high school (1956), he was awarded the State Farmer Degree from the Future Farmers of America.  He was one of only two students selected for this honor from CEHS during his high school years.

He married Joyce Harmer in 1959. They relocated to Snoqualmie, Washington where he worked at Weyerhaeuser as a Sales Manager for 35 years.

Bill and Joyce had 3 children - Brenda (Steve) Hart of Kittitas, Dale (Julie) Harris of Mt. Vernon, and Donald (Julie) Harris of Snoqualmie.

Bill and Joyce were horse lovers and Bill was one of the original members of the Roslyn Riders. In addition to the Roslyn Riders arena, they traveled to various locations riding in playdays and parades.  His horse, Deb, loved parades, and always put on a show for the crowd.  Bill also raised thoroughbred racehorses for 20 years, partnering with Ben and Elwin Gibson, racing at several racetracks, mainly Longacres and Yakima Meadows.

Bill retired from Weyerhaeuser in 2002 and they moved back to Cle Elum where he continued farming on 80 acres that was the homestead of his aunt and uncle, Lyle and Alice (Newton) Piland on Lower Peoh Point.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hazel Harris, his brother Larry Harris, and his sister, Bonnie (Dick) Filleau.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce, his 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.

Memorials contributions are suggested to the Roslyn Riders, 70 Martin Rd., Roslyn, WA 98941

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Cle Elum with interment to follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Park.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com