William Meredith Harness Jr.

On February 17, 2019, William Harness Jr., 95, a WWII veteran passed away in Manteca, CA. William was born in Urich, Missouri on January 8, 1924 to William and Pauline Harness. He joins his wife Wanda Lee Harness, who he was married to for 44 years, in Heaven. In addition, he also joins his Daughter Nancy Timmerman and his brother John Harness.

His children William M. Harness III (Ethel), Lauralee E. Haskin, Richard Harness(Lori) and his grandchildren William M. Harness IV, Michael Hall, and Jennifer Miller, will miss William dearly. He also leaves behind his six great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

William was proud to serve and defend our country as a soldier in the United States Marine Corps. He served during WWII as part of the defense of the Midway Islands. William served in the Twenty Third Provisional Marine Company and the Antiaircraft group “A”, Sixth Defense Battalion, FMF. At the end of his tour, he then boarded the USS Bracken and sailed to Pearl Harbor where he was part of the clean-up efforts after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

William loved the desert and enjoyed spending the cold months down south in the warm desert riding ATV’s with his friends and family. He was an animal lover and always had a dog as a trusty companion by his side. William loved horses and mules as well, but when asked he would tell you to always choose a mule to ride because they have a brain and horse does not. William above all things was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend and will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Harness Family. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at East Union Cemetery located at 1035 North Union Road, Manteca, CA 95336. An online Tribute is available at www.plfryandson.com for condolences.

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