Billie Roe Harris, known to most as Bill and to his beloved wife, Rosalie, as "Willy," passed away peacefully June 4, 2026, in Fallon, Nevada, at the age of 89.
Bill was born Nov. 2, 1936, in Wright County, Missouri, to Troy and Phoebe Elizabeth (Wagner) Harris. He grew up primarily in Mountain Grove, Missouri, alongside his twin sister, Mary Jo Fry. As a young man, he loved football, adventure, and making memories that would later become some of his favorite stories to tell.
Bill graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1955. On Oct. 5, 1957, he married the love of his life, Rosalie Pasley, in Winnemucca, Nevada. Family members fondly recalled the story of the young couple waiting in Winnemucca for permission to marry because of age restrictions before their wedding could take place. It became one of those family stories that was shared with laughter and retold for generations. Following their marriage, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged.
Their love story spanned nearly 69 years of marriage. Together, Bill and Rosalie built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and enduring love. Through every season of life, they remained devoted to one another and created a legacy that continues through the generations of family they cherished.
After working as a manager for a Payless drug store in Hayward, California, Bill moved to Fallon, Nevada, in 1975 to help his father with the family business, Payless Tire. Following the passing of his father, Bill took over management of the business and later became owner after the passing of his mother. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to serving the community, Bill became a familiar and respected figure to generations of Fallon residents. He remained involved with Payless Tire until its sale in 2021.
Bill was a devoted Jehovah's Witness who loved Jehovah, his congregation, and the friendships he built through his faith. He studied the Bible with the Wallace family and was later baptized in Reno, beginning a lifelong commitment to his faith.
Bill was a natural storyteller with a love for adventure. Family gatherings often included stories from his Army years, race cars, mining adventures, and the colorful characters he met throughout his life. He loved making people laugh, sharing memories, and passing along pieces of family history to younger generations. Whether every detail improved with time was often debated, but his stories were always worth hearing.
Above all else, Bill loved his family. He was always there when his family needed him and took great pride in watching it grow through the generations. Some of his happiest moments were spent making memories with those he loved — cheering on Lisa and Troy at Rattlesnake Raceway, mining with Lisa, gathering around a campfire at family weenie roasts, exploring on four-wheeling adventures, or simply enjoying a Costco hot dog together. He loved sharing laughter and time with his family, and those moments are now treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him best.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Rosalie Harris; his twin sister, Mary Jo (Ron) Fry; his children, Lori Connors, Leslie Wait, and Troy Harris (Sylvia); and his grandchildren, Dawn (Ray), Amanda (Krystal), and Zach (Ashley); Melissa and Michael (Danica); Crystal (Bryce), Mandee (Jeff), Lee (Monica), and Courtnee (Tim); and Brittney, Kevin (Kayli), Shawn, Steven, and Brandon. He is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, including a great-great-granddaughter expected later this year, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Leanne Baum; his son-in-law, Nick Pacheco; his parents, Troy and Phoebe Elizabeth Harris; and other loved ones who welcomed him home.
Bill will be remembered for his strong work ethic, devotion to family, enduring love for Rosalie, and the countless stories that brought people together. If you knew Willy, you knew a man who valued faith, family, and friendship, and never missed an opportunity to share a story or a laugh.
His family finds comfort in Jehovah's promise of a future Paradise and the hope of the resurrection when they look forward to seeing Bill again. Until that day, the memories he created and the love he shared will continue to bring smiles for generations to come.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. at 1055 McLean Road, Fallon, Nevada 89406. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Bill's life and legacy.
Comment
Comments