William Harris

Mr. William Harris, a veteran of the Vietnam War and longtime resident of Buffalo, New York, passed away peacefully in his home on January 11, 2025. He was known as Billy to his parents and childhood friends, and as Bill or Poppie by many.

Bill was born on June 7th, 1939 to Mr. John and Mrs. Marzie Chandler. Shortly after completing high school, Bill joined the armed forces, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Bill spent time in Vietnam and made lifelong friends throughout his service until retiring as a master sergeant of Security Police. He was known for his calm and humble disposition. Bill always had a smile and fist pump for everyone he met. Everywhere he went he touched lives and made people happy. 

As many close to him know, Bill was diagnosed with cancer and ultimately passed from complications related to the disease. He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at his home in Gulfport with his family. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. John and Mrs. Marzie Chandler; his younger sister, Bonnie; and his lifelong best friends, Mr. Rodney Chisholm, Mr. JP Moonan, and Mr. Sonny Bright. 

He is survived by his daughter, Ms. Denise Davis; his son, Mr. John William Harris and Amanda Pullen Traxler; his daughter-in-law, Ms. Jennifer Harris; his grandchildren, Dr. Justine Harris McKee, Ms. Jerrica Harris, Ms. Jocelyn Mya Harris- Connick, Ms. Raquel Moore, and Mr. Robert Moore; as well as eight great-grandchildren, William "Billy" McKee, Charlotte McKee, Madiona Briggs, Dayon, Mia, Milan, Rakeema, India, and Gage Moore. 

His family has organized a memorial service to honor Bill’s life and military service, with a viewing that will take place at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home located at 1726 15th Street in Gulfport, MS 39501. On January 25, 2025, Family visitation is at 9:30 am Friends are at 10:00 am and Service will start at 11:00 am. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Harris family.