William Henry “Bill” Harris – lovingly known as Bill or Opa – passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Meg Harris, his children Morgan Massey and Brett Harris, his beloved son-in-law Sam Massey Jr. and daughter-in-law Jessi Harris. He was cherished as “Opa” by his four grandchildren – Lucy, Tripp, Kathryn, and Sarah – who were the absolute joy of his life.

Bill grew up in Griffin, Georgia, alongside his three siblings – Randy Harris, Delle Corley, and Wynn Harris – and was a loving son to Wink and Jackie Harris, with whom he is now reunited in heaven.

Bill spent his lifelong career at Georgia Power, where he began as a lineman and retired 42 years later as an engineer. His Georgia Power family meant so much to him, and over the decades he built countless friendships and shared endless laughter. Since his passing, we’ve heard so many stories about his kindness, generosity, and quick wit – qualities that defined who he was.

Bill met the love of his life, Meg, when they were just a pair of young lovebirds in their 20s. Meg loves to tell the story of their first meeting – at an ice-skating rink he was chaperoning – and while it may not have been love at first sight, it wasn’t long before they fell deeply in love and married in August 1980. They spent four beautiful years together building a life filled with joy before welcoming children into their world.

Bill was truly the kind of father every child dreams of having. He was the dad who played outside with the neighborhood kids, tossed the ball around, jumped into the lake, and made sure every moment was an adventure. Some of our most treasured memories are the long summer days spent with family and friends at Lake Sinclair – days full of laughter, sunshine, and love.

A natural athlete, Bill played softball in his younger years and loved golf, tennis, pickleball, and all things water sports. He was famous for his perfect swan dive and fearless flips off the dock. He was also the ultimate Mr. Fix-It, always working on a project and happy to lend a hand to anyone who needed it.

As a grandfather, Opa was pure magic. He loved cheering on his grandchildren at their games, snuggling up with them on the couch, and building things side by side. He and Meg also loved traveling with friends and, in August 2024, Bill was able to check a big dream off his bucket list with a trip to Alaska – a memory we will cherish forever.

Bill valued his friendships deeply. From childhood to his final days, his friends were like family, and he poured so much love and loyalty into those relationships. Together, he and Meg dedicated their time to helping others, touching countless lives with their generosity and compassion.

Some of Bill’s favorite moments were the simple ones – sitting outside in the evenings with Meg, watching the hummingbirds in their peaceful backyard, or playing with their dog, Dali. Though Dali was meant to be Morgan’s dog, she quickly chose Bill as her person, finding her true home right by his side.

In June 2024, Bill was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Hearing that news broke our hearts. We knew every moment would become even more precious, and we held onto hope that with careful treatment and faith, we’d have more time with him. But that was not the Lord’s plan. Bill’s battle with PF was far too brief, but his strength, courage, and grace never wavered.

If you wish to honor Bill’s memory, the family asks that you consider a donation to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. More than anything, we hope that when you think of Bill, you remember his warm laugh, his quick humor, his generous spirit, and the way he made everyone around him feel loved. His presence in our lives was a gift beyond measure, and though he will be deeply missed, his love will forever remain with us.

 

The Harris family was assisted by Georgia Cremation-Fayetteville, 1086 Highway 54 West, Fayetteville, GA 30214 (7707)756-8702