William Hanger Harris

William Hanger Harris, age 77 of West Baden, IN passed away on October 25 due to complications of an autoimmune blood disorder. A man of strength and enduring love, Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend. Bill built a life rooted in dedication to his family and community.

William Hanger Harris was born on July 7, 1948, in Bedford Indiana. He was the son of Ollis Dean and Virginia Marie Harris. He was welcomed home by older sister, Angela Harris, and brother Charles Harris. He was the baby of the family throughout his childhood, but became a very proud big brother of sister Jennifer, who came along when he was 19 years old.

Bill’s childhood was full of fun, as he spoke often and fondly about “the pump station crew.” As a child of a Texas Eastern employee, he lived in the pump station neighborhood, full of kids, who rode their bikes and played ball from sun up to sun to sun down. He always said that he had a childhood he wouldn’t trade for anything.

Bill devoted his entire life to Springs Valley Community Schools. Starting in elementary school, Bill excelled, both in athletics and academics. His classmates and teammates were dear to him. A dedicated athlete, he played football, basketball, and baseball, and contributed to several championship teams. He was the valedictorian of the Springs Valley High School class of 1966. Although he had many accomplishments throughout his high school career, his classmates remember him most as being kind to all.

Bill attended and loved Indiana University. His memorable college experiences included a trip with his brother and friends to the 1967 Rose Bowl to watch the Hoosiers. Bill graduated in 1970, and began his career at Springs Valley High School.

Bill devoted his life to education and to the Springs Valley community. For 37 years, he served as a teacher, coach, and administrator—earning the respect and admiration of students, athletes, and colleagues alike. His career was defined by excellence, loyalty, and a deep love for the Blackhawk tradition.

On August 8, 1970, Bill married the love of his life, Gail Denbo Harris. As with marriage, the two became one. And that was definitely the case with them. They are affectionately known as “Bill and Gail,” “Mom and Dad,” and “Grammy and Pop.” They have been married for 55 years.

They had two daughters, Kyle Noelle Harris, and Kari Lynne Harris. Kyle and Kari went on to marry Kyle Chase and Travis Buchanan, respectively, and Bill thought of them as his own.

Of all the joys that Bill experienced in life, becoming “Pop” was his favorite. The pride and joy of his life were his grandchildren, Kannon Chase, Brynne Buchanan, Konner Chase, and Blake Buchanan.

Bill was a dedicated servant of his community. He was a member of First Baptist Church in West Baden, where he served as a trustee for many years. His love for Jesus was evident in the way he lived his life and treated others. He was a member of the Springs Valley Education Foundation, and the Springs Valley Regional Water Board.

Bill enjoyed working at the French Lick resort after retirement from school. He thoroughly enjoyed the hours he worked at the golf course, and he very much valued the friendships he made.

Bill leaves behind his devoted family, many past football players, and many treasured friends.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the Springs Valley High School auditorium at 3:00 pm. Friends may visit from noon to the time of the service. Coach Harris would love for everyone to dress in Springs Valley attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Springs Valley Education Foundation for the Bill Harris Memorial Scholarship, 498 S. Larry Bird Blvd, French Lick, IN 47432.