William Barton Harris perished in an aviation accident on December 16, 2010, in Eagle County, Colorado. He was born in Denison, Texas, on August 16, 1943, to W. T. and Helen Harris, and moved to Bangs, Texas, where he graduated from high school in 1961. He attended Texas A & M University and graduated with a degree in Range and Forestry in 1966. Upon graduation, he entered the Naval Flight Program receiving his wings as a Navy Aviator, serving in the Viet Nam Conflict for three years and active service for twelve.
In 1966, he married Ann Friend of Austin, and upon completion of his active military service moved to Bangs and purchased the local meat processing plant. For fifteen years he owned Harris Meats of Bangs, and owned a cow/calf operation. In 1988, he moved to the industrial park in Brownwood, as the owner of the W. T Harris Company.
He served as the president of the Texas Oklahoma Meat Processors Association for four years; was on the board of Brown County Farm Bureau; and the Brown County Fair Association. His involvement in local law enforcement led to many special honors, including the outstanding Citizens Award given by the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was on the inaugural board for Crime Stoppers in Brown County in 1984, and this past year expanded the organizational coverage to Coleman, Mills, and Brown Counties. He served the Bangs community as president of McDaniel Cemetery for many years. Barton was a member of First Baptist Church, Brownwood for 34 years.
He is survived by his wife Ann of Brownwood; son Bryce and wife Amber Harris of Brownwood; son Grant and wife Robyn Harris of Ft. Worth; daughter Melinda Howson of Ft. Worth; and 5 grandchildren: Henley and Holden Harris of Brownwood; Isabella Harris of Ft. Worth; and Brooks and Lauren Howson of Ft. Worth.
Memorials may be directed to Brown County Crime Stoppers or the Building Fund of First Baptist Church of Brownwood.
A memorial service will be held 2:00pm Monday, December 20th at the First Baptist Church of Brownwood, located at 208 Austin Avenue.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00pm Sunday, December 19th at Davis-Morris Funeral Home, 800 Center Avenue in Brownwood.
