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William Harris Jr.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — William Franklin Harris Jr., 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Charlotte on April 29, 2024, with his loving wife, Loretta, by his side.
At age 8, Bill began a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship — early morning newspaper delivery, cutting grass, washing cars, growing plants and shrubs, and later buying, repairing and restoring old cars. He was a lifelong car enthusiast and loved boating in Lake Norman and Charleston, S.C.
From his humble beginnings in Shelby, N.C., Bill was well on his way to becoming one of North Carolina’s greatest business icons, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.
After graduating from Shelby High School in 1957, Bill attended Brevard College, Gardner-Webb University and North Carolina State University. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award of Brevard College. In 2008, Bill received an honorary doctorate from Wingate University, where he actively served on the board of trustees from 2009 to 2016. In 2017, Bill became a lifetime honorary trustee at Wingate. The Physician Assistant Program at Wingate is named in honor of Bill and Loretta.
Early in his pursuit of business excellence (in the seventh grade), Bill met the love of his life, Loretta Lewis. They were married on Nov. 21, 1961.
The Harrises founded W.F. Harris Lighting, a leader in designing and manufacturing luminaries for nearly 50 years. Bill was the first person in the country to get approval from Underwriters Laboratories to use General Electric Co.’s Lexan polycarbonate materials in electrical lighting products. In his career, Bill was able to maintain numerous patents. With his unwavering determination to provide only the best, and Loretta’s steadfast support over the years, he leaves an indelible mark on the North Carolina business community.
Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Loretta, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Loretta and the family express their sincerest appreciation for the loving and thoughtful caregivers who provided daily care for Bill during his illness. The comfort and strength you gave our family during that time will always be in our hearts.
To celebrate the life of Mr. Harris, the family will receive friends in the Central United Methodist Church sanctuary at 1 p.m. Monday, May 6, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m., with Rev. David Lee officiating.
A fellowship reception is immediately after the service. Burial is at Sunset Cemetery following the fellowship reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Scouting Special Fund of Central UMC, Shelby, N.C., or the Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge at The Jesse Helms Center in Wingate, N.C.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Harris family.
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