William (Bill) Hardin Harrison passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, at his home in University Place, Washington. He was 90 years old. Bill was a true southern gentleman and a man of deep moral character, a wonderful husband, father and friend.  He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor.  He had a bright smile, a kind disposition and when you caught him with that "twinkle" in his eyes you knew he was up to something. He was always impeccably dressed, always prepared for anything and always ready for adventure.

Bill was born to Benjamin Wallace and Mona Lee Harrison in Pembroke, Kentucky on July 2, 1933.  After graduating from Pembroke High School in 1951, Bill attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and planned to become a teacher. Schools were hesitant to offer him a position as they were certain he would be drafted and leave mid-year. So, in 1954 he enlisted in the US Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky and after completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training he then attended the Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1955.  He served in virtually every type of infantry unit during his career, served back-to-back tours in Vietnam, and commanded both the 7th Infantry Division and I Corps retiring as a Lieutenant General while commanding Sixth U.S. Army.

Bill married the love of his life, Josie (Jo) Steele Patton in 1967 and they had two sons, William (Bill) and Charles (Charlie) Harrison.  The family moved all around the world during his nearly 37 years of military service. Following retirement Bill returned to the Pacific Northwest and settled in Lakewood, Washington.  He immediately involved himself in the community.  He taught at Pierce College and headed the incorporation effort that resulted in Lakewood becoming a city on its fourth attempt. Bill was elected to the city council and was unanimously selected to be the first Mayor.  His stature had an immediate impact on regional politics and policy. And Jo was absolutely the First Lady of Lakewood.

Bill's impact on the nation, his hometown and the greater Lakewood Joint Base Lewis-McChord community can be measured by the honors bestowed upon him. He was inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame in 1977; in 2003 the Lieutenant General Harrison Civilian Hall of Fame Services Award Program was created by I Corps in his honor; in 2014 the Clover Park School District established the LTG William H. Harrison Preparatory School and in the fall of that same year the 7th Infantry Division named their Headquarters, Harrison Hall.  In 2015 his hometown of Pembroke unveiled and dedicated highway signs in each direction entering the town acknowledging his birthplace.

He loved books and could spend hours perusing the aisles at Barnes and Nobles. He had a passion for gardening, enjoyed gatherings with friends and family, eating delicious food, seeing musicals and traveling.

Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife Jo and his son Bill and is survived by his son Charlie (Christie) Harrison of Roseville, California.

There will be a memorial service Saturday April 6th, 2024, at 1pm at First Baptist Church of Lakewood. In lieu of flowers the family would ask you to consider a donation to Partners for Parks "H" Barn Project; Lakewood Community Foundation; or Rotary International.

TRUST IN ME!