William Harold Harness, Sr.

1928-2018

William Harold Harness, Sr., 89, of Ocoee, Fla., formerly of Crab Orchard, passed away and returned to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 4, at The Orlando Health Central Hospital.

William was born in the community of Beelick, in Pulaski County on November 25, 1928. He was a son of the late William Coy and Laura (Nicholas) Harness. He was the loving husband of Mary Lee Alice (Thomas) Harness whom he married on May 19, 1949. William was a retired railroad engineer having worked for both the L&N and CSX Railroad in Louisville for 44 years, and enjoyed telling his family and friends stories about working for the railroad. He also loved to tell jokes, he knew hundreds of them. He was a Mason and member of Suburban Lodge No. 740 F&AM.

Survivors include his adoring wife of 69 years, Alice, formerly of Jackson County. He was the proud, loving father of daughter, Carolyn Harness Wayt; and sons, William H. Harness, Jr., Jason Harness and Bryan Harness. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Holtzclaw; grandchildren, Aimee and Aaron Wayt, Jack and Lilly Harness, and Joey, Brooke and Jarrett Harness; and great-grandchildren, Massen Wayt and Aiden Aaron.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by a brother, James Eulas Harness; and a sister, Dorothy Stigall.

His funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, at McKnight Funeral Home, with burial to follow in the Bethel Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 11, from 4 – 8 p.m. at McKnight Funeral Home.