William Eugene "Bill" Harrison

William "Bill" Eugene Harrison, 74, of Herrin, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Herrin Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 2, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. Cheryl Eaton officiating. Inurnment will be in North Oakwood Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, at the funeral home. Military rites will be performed by the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard and the Carterville American Legion and Herrin VFW and American Legion Post.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Herrin or to the American Heart Association.

Bill was born on May 7, 1951, at Holden Hospital in Carbondale, to Eugene "Meatball" Edward and Rose Ellen (Manning) Harrison. He was united in marriage to Norma Larison on October 6, 1973, at Peace Lutheran Church in Chester, and together they shared more than 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Bill is survived by his wife, Norma Harrison; daughter, Elizabeth Ellen (Dan); the lights of his life, his grandsons, Harrison Watson and Hunter Phillip Grear; brother, Terry "Rod" (Doris) Harrison; sister-in-law, Lois Jansen; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; beloved dog, Cindy; plus dear friends, Ron (Joyce) Taylor, Deb (Dan) Bandy, Jenny (Kenny) Jones, Jerry (Pam) Roach, and Dixie Richardson. And a host of additional friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, William and Ellen Manning, and H.K. and Chloe Harrison; in-laws, George and Helen Elizabeth Larison; brother-in-law, Leroy Jansen; niece, Angela Ellen Harrison; and his beloved dogs, Piglet, Bootsie Marie.

Bill honorably served his country in the United States Air Force, stationed at Forbes Airforce Base in Topeka, Kansas and George Airforce Base in Victorville, California. During his service, he was a member of the Air Force Honor Guard ritual team, assisting with funeral details. He also worked in a ceramic shop, where his dedication and attention to keeping the shop spotless caught the attention of a Colonel, earning him a special invitation to tour the United States Air Force Academy.

Following his military service, Bill began a 20-year career with the Illinois Central Railroad (now Canadian National Railroad), where he worked as a shop man. He worked closely with signal supervisor Richard Lipe, who was consistently impressed by Bill's ability to locate and secure the parts needed to keep operations running smoothly.

A man of strong faith, Bill deeply loved his family and friends. He was involved with the Little Egypt Walk to Emmaus Ministry and attended First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Herrin. Bill especially loved spending time with his grandsons and took great joy in cooking for them. A lover of animals, Bill chose to donate his pacemaker to help animals in need, a final act reflecting his generous and compassionate spirit. In his free time, he also enjoyed golfing, traveling to visit friends Pam and Jerry, and cheering on the Mt. Vernon Rams football team by watching games online.

Bill fully put his talent for driving to use, always ensuring the safety and care of those he loved. He faithfully drove Norma back and forth to Herrin Hospital for many years, patiently waiting-often as she ran a little behind. During Elizabeth's freshman year at Murray State, he made weekly trips to take her back and forth. He lovingly cared for Harrison and Hunter in their early school years, driving them to and from school. In more recent years, he insisted on driving Norma to the Carson Center in Paducah, where he and Cindy would wait in the car while she worked events. Bill's devotion to keeping his family safe was unwavering.

In his earlier years, Bill loved to dance, and today we take comfort in knowing that his feet and heart are healed, and he is now doing a joyful jig with Jesus.

A special thank you is extended to the SIH doctors and staff, Prairie Cardiology, Logan Primary Care, and the staff of Carbondale and Herrin hospitals for their compassionate care, which allowed Bill the gift of an extra 33 years with his family.