HR0511 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0511 LRB098 12702 MST 47153 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of William L. Harris of Marion, who passed away on July 1, 2013; and

WHEREAS, William Harris was born on August 30, 1923, in Marion to Oscar R. and Estelle (Murphy) Harris; he married Anna L. Simpson on September 19, 1941, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri; he attended Marion schools and graduated from the University of Chicago, management administrative school, in 1956; and

WHEREAS, William Harris worked as an auditor for the United States Civil Service Property and Materials Division at the Illinois Ordnance Plant in Marion, as a regional sales manager for Swift and Company, and in the sales and marketing department of the Du Quoin Packing Company; he also worked as an instructor in junior colleges for sales and marketing and as a licensed real estate broker; and

WHEREAS, From 1963 to 1967, William Harris served on the Marion City Council and helped established the first State and federally approved landfill in the area; he served as the Williamson County Democratic Chairman and as the Public Administrator for Williamson County; he held several political positions, including Democratic Party Vice-Chairman in the 24th Congressional District, Senatorial Representative Chairman in the 59th Legislative District, precinct committeeman in Marion, and Vice-Chairman of the State Democratic Chairmen's Association; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, William Harris was appointed to the newly-created State Board of Elections; he served as its Vice-Chairman until being appointed to the Illinois House of Representatives for the 59th District in 1977; and

WHEREAS, William Harris was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion, the Marion Masonic Lodge 89 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the National Rifle Association, and lifetime member of the State Jaycees and the Illinois Police Association; and

WHEREAS, William Harris was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, William Harris is survived by his wife of 71 years, Anna; his son, William Michael Harris and wife, Julie Ann; his granddaughters, Stephanie Ann Bean, Melissa D. Harris, and Monika L. Bean; and his great-grandchildren, J.W. Harris and Ella M. Bean; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of William L. Harris, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of William Harris as an expression of our deepest sympathy.