William R. "Bob" Harris

William Robert "Bob" Harris age 69, was killed by a drunk driver in a tragic accident in Port Huron March 20, 2012. He was born March 11, 1943 in Detroit, MI . He is survived by his wife Judy and children Tracy (William) Fowlkes-Elijah, Nicole (Michael) Sebastian, Ross Hock, Griffin Hock, and step-son Michael (Diana) Battenfield. He is also survived by his four grandchildren Anthony Fowlkes, William Elijah, Anna Battenfield, and Selah Battenfield. He was the brother of Donald (Leah) Harris and Kenneth (Boby) Harris. Visitation will be Saturday 3:00PM to 9:00PM, with a funeral service Sunday afternoon at 2:00PM at Resurrection Funeral Home 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI. 48038.


When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits William R. "Bob" Harris who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional "old school" morals, Bob was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Bob knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

William was born on March 11, 1943 at Saratoga Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were William and Kathleen Harris. Bob was raised in Center Line, Michigan. Even as a youngster, Bob learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Bob was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren't supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Bob was raised with two siblings. He had two brothers, Don and Ken. Bob had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Bob, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Bob's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Bob enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Bob took part in football. In his spare time he liked cars.

In school, Bob was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Bob was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Bob's personal motto could well have been, "Do it right the first time." He graduated from Center Line High School in 1961. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was band.

Bob was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Bob was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn't afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Bob came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Bill Simons, Wendell Payne, and many more.

An objective and conscientious individual, Bob reveled in the security of his family. On May 20, 1986 Bob exchanged wedding vows with Judith (Judy) E. Hunziker Battenfield at the New Life Church of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. One of Bob's most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Bob was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Bob would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Bob was blessed with four children and one step-child, two daughters, Tracy and Nicole, sons, Ross and Griffin, and step-son Michael. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Anthony, William, Anna, and Selah.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Bob was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Bob was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Bob upheld his standards. His primary occupation was real estate agent, broker, and owner. He was employed for he was an agent since 1973. Bob was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of "give me a job, and I will get it done."

Bob approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were cooking, cars, and family. Bob was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Bob to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Bob played football. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey.

Being generous with his time and energy, Bob liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Bob was a member of the band and choir. Throughout his later years, Bob was an active member of the Lion's Club and many church affiliations.

A civic-minded person, Bob was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Bob was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the WCR. During these years, Bob applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Bob. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member Klein United Methodist Church in Spring, Texas for 3 years, having just moved back he was now attending St. Paul's U. M. C. In Rochester, Michigan.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Bob used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Bob had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included anything with his family.

Bob was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Bob's favorites was Callie, a cat. They were best friends for 17 years.

Bob "retired" in 2010, but never really retired. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Shelby Township, Michigan. In retirement, he found new pleasure in starting a new company with Judy. In many ways, Bob loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Bob was killed by a drunk driver who was speeding on March 20, 2012 in Port Huron, Michigan. He is survived by his wife Judy and children Tracy (William) Fowlkes-Elijah, Nicole (Michael) Sebastian, Ross Hock, Griffin Hock, and step-son Michael (Diana) Battenfield. He is also survived by his four grandchildren Anthony Fowlkes, William Elijah, Anna Battenfield, and Selah Battenfield. He was the brother of Donald (Leah) Harris and Kenneth (Boby) Harris. Services were held at Resurrection Funeral Home in Clinton Township, Michigan on Sunday, March 25, 2012. Bob was laid to rest in Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Clinton Township, Michigan.

All who knew him would agree that Bob was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. William R. "Bob" Harris did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.