Mr. Bison

As all of you know, we lost Bill Harris yesterday. To simply say that he will be missed is a gross understatement. "Mr. Bill" ,as we called him up in this office, was dearly loved, appreciated, and highly respected. Bill came from the old school....the school that doesn't put out as many graduates as it used to. Those that went to that school came out with one very important common denominator.....a VERY strong work ethic. As many of you know from experience, Bill was relentless in his efforts to raise funds for Harding. He let you know that he would love you if you didn't contribute, but he also communicated very strongly that he expected you to do what you could to help out. I doubt there is anybody that raised more money from the folks in the Searcy area than Bill. He was a blessing to this office, and to Harding.

Even though I cherish the years I got to work with Bill in the Advancement Office, I will always remember Bill most as a Bison supporter. I can remember back in the 70's he and Lil working in the concession stand at Bison games. I wonder if there is ANYBODY that attended more Bison sporting events than Bill Harris? I would guess Dr. Ganus would be a close second, but Bill just didn't miss ANY Bison event! When Matt was playing for the Bisons, we would go off to some school in the middle of no where, and there Bill and Lil would be sitting in the stands waiting on everybody else to get there! When I picture a true fan in my mind, there is a picture of Bill Harris there. He was there no matter what kind of season they were having....it didn't matter. He loved his Bisons, and nothing was going to keep him from supporting those kids and the team. I was blessed to get to witness him being a fan of his grandson, Justin, and that was really fun. I know he went to Nashville and Memphis to watch other grandchildren participate in athletic events. I am so glad that the Academy Gym was dedicated to and named for he and Lil while he was still alive! I can't think of anyone more deserving.

Lastly, Bill was one of my Shepherds for many years. I could bring any problem to him, and he made the time for me. He let me know that he would take as much time as we needed to talk about things.....and I always appreciated him doing that. He loved my family, and more importantly he SHOWED them that he loved them. They loved him too. Jan has loved Bill longer than anybody in our family because of her relationship with Nancy that goes back to early 60's. She will miss him greatly I know.

Thanks Bill for everything you did for Harding, for your influence for the Lord, for you support of athletics........and most of all for being a good friend. I love you much, and I will miss you. Bison games won't be the same for a LONG time. I know what the newest mascot in Heaven is! Thanks for blessing all of our lives.