Louis William ‘Bill’ Harris, 71, of Lincoln, died Tuesday (1-4-11) of natural causes. Born August 8th, 1939, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to John T. and Eleanor (Suess) Harris. Former Nebraska State Senator 1983-1987, former Mayor of Lincoln 1987-1991, Economic Development Commission 1992-2004, President of Former Legislatures of Nebraska 2002-2003, member of the First Congregational Church of McCook, NE and attended First Church of Christ Scientist, Lincoln, NE.
Mayor Harris’s administration accomplished a great deal, including the annexation of the bankrupt Highlands, UNL’s Technology Park, University Square, Lincoln Station, and countless other City infrastructure improvements that laid the foundation for Lincoln’s growth and progress. As mayor of Lincoln, Bill was instrumental in developing Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket through his recruitment and financial support to new businesses and restaurants that opened in the Haymarket, many of which are still thriving today. His lifelong passion for public service resulted in boundless community involvement and included living in, and serving as houseboy to the Brooks Governor’s mansion where he met and served President John F. Kennedy. This prompted his first run for public office in 1969, the unsuccessful bid for a Nebraska legislative seat in McCook, NE and eventually led to his appointment to the legislature by then Governor Bob Kerrey in 1983, his re-election to the same 27th legislative district (he chaired the Retirement System Committee, and served as a member of the Education Committee, the Public Works Committee, and the Banking and Finance Committee). His political career culminated in his successful run for Mayor in 1987.
In addition to his official elected and appointed positions, Bill Harris was a lifelong businessman and entrepreneur. Through various family partnerships and holding companies during his lifetime, he managed, directed, and co-owned numerous operations, including Harris Brothers, Inc. and its ranching and farming activities in McCook, Nebraska and Opelika, Alabama, Harris Oil, DeGroff’s Department Store, Lots to Love, Inc., Uncle Sam’s Fireworks, and a variety of investments in student housing and start-ups. At the time of his passing, Bill remained actively involved in several business ventures and served on the Board of Directors of Lincoln, NE- based Nebraska Bank of Commerce and Nebraska Heavy Industries.
Other distinctions and community contributions included teaching social studies/economics in the Lincoln Public Schools from 1969-1974, and served in the Nebraska National Guard from 1962-1968, where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1991, Bill Harris was named Citizen of the Year by the Nebraska VFW and was inducted into the McCook High School Wall of Fame in 2008.
Family members include wife: MarySue Harris; son, daughter-in-law: Ben Hormel and Maja Harris, Lincoln; daughter, son-in-law: Elizabeth Ann “Buff” Harris-Colarossi and Richard Colarossi, Orange County, CA; mother: Eleanor Harris, Auburn, AL; grandchildren: Nelle Harris, Dean Hormel Colarossi, Ellison Elizabeth Colarossi; brothers, sisters-in-law: J. T. and Karen Harris, Lincoln, Bob and Diane Harris, Killen, AL, Bert and Paula Harris, Opelika, AL, Jim and Vicki Harris, Lincoln. Preceded in death by father, John T. Harris.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 5th, 2011 at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, at 1144 M Street (corner of 12th and M), Lincoln, NE 68501. A reception will be held following the service.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to McCook Community College, Museum of East Alabama, Alliance EVPA for the Fox Theatre McCook.
No Visitation.
Condolences or personal reflections may be sent to ben@nbcbancshares.com.