Billy Wayne Harless
March 30, 1942 ~ July 12, 2005
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Fletcher ~ Billy Wayne Harless, Sr., 63, of Stonehollow Rd, Fletcher, died on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at his residence.
A native of Bristol, TN, Mr. Harless was the son of the late James William and Lucy Nunn Harless. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Marcus Alfred Lowe. He was a graduate of NC Wesleyan University. He was a retired US Air Force veteran, serving for 23 years and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal as well as many others. In serving his country, he specialized in meteorology and climatology. Most recently he had worked for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Asheville. He was a founding member of the Blue Ridge Christian Church in Fletcher.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda Lowe Harless of Fletcher; a daughter, Tisa Harless Futch and husband Jeff of Fletcher; son, Billy Wayne Harless, Jr. and wife Ashley of Bowie, MD; six grandchildren, Billy Wayne Harless III, Kristi Harless, Derek Harless, Jefferson Harless Futch, Jared Harless and Jackson Harless Futch; three sisters, Elizabeth Barron, Charleston, SC, Bernice Harless of Bluff City, TN and Susan Schumacher of Dalton, GA; brother, Jerry Harless of Bluff City, TN; three sister-in-laws, Shirley Lowe of Kingsport, TN, Polly Bass of Hampton, VA and Eva Gatscher of Bristol, TN; numerous nieces and nephews and his loving family at Blue Ridge Christian Church.
A funeral service will be held 6:00 P.M. Thursday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road with the Rev. Palma Bennett officiating.
Grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends following the service.
A graveside service will be held Friday 2:00 P.M. at the Western Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery in Black Mountain with military honors being conducted by the Shaw Air Force Base Honor Guard.
Flowers are acceptable or memorials may be made to the Blue Ridge Christian Church, 181 Oren Drive, Fletcher, NC 28732.
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Thank you for your service to our country. Due to heros like you, my family and I are here in the US enjoying the freedom to live the American dream.
Linda: I am sorry for your loss.
I will always remeber Billy as a good man. He was kind, funny and a great co-worker.
Thanks for the time I knew you, Bill.
Billy and I crossed paths many times in the 25 years that I worked at the Federal Building. He was always friendly, and I always felt better for our brief conversations due to his ‘up-beat’ nature. The world was a lot better off having had Billy in it.
George Cooper
Linda and family, we all share your loss. Billy was a special man. I’ve enjoyed knowing him for the last 30 years. We met by telephone when he was a forecaster at Pope AFB and I an observer at Simmons Airfield, Ft Bragg. On good weather nights we had many long conversations. When he came to work at NCDC it was like meeting an old friend for the first time. He was a good man to work with even though we didn’t always agree on how or when things should be done. We always remained friends.
He was also a man of faith in Jesus Christ so I know as well as you that he is in the presence of his Lord. For that we can truely be grateful.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time of great loss.
Bill will be missed.
He was a good man.
I am so sorry. Bill was a great person whom I truly enjoyed working with here at NCDC. My heart breaks for you all.
Billy and I worked together for the Air Force for many years. Billy believed and worked with the thought that whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well. And I know that he is happy in the Lord today, because happy is that person whose God is the Lord. I pray for the Harless Family today that the the peace, comfort and joy of Christ will be your comfort this day. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Harless, however if his son is any testement to his life he was a great man. Please pass my condolences on to Mrs. Harless and the entire family. It was, I am sure, my loss for not having the opportunity to personally meet Mr. Harless.
God Bless and Keep You All
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Dave
Billy was such a kind, patient person. When I needed help understanding weather data, he was so helpful. I will always remember his kind, gentle way of explaining the most technical points. We’ve missed him since he retired and know he’s enjoying even better rewards today. God bless his family.
Bill, you will be missed. You were a good man and I’m glad I had the chance to know you.
Dearest Linda …
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Billy was my supervisor in 1985-86 when I worked with him at OL-A. I admired him as a co-worker and even more as a dear friend … one who was wise and was always willing to lend an ear. Another co-worker of Billy’s and mine was Rick Stamm. Rick and I went through some very difficult times when we worked for/with Bill and he was always understanding and helpful in resolving personal matters.
I’ve missed seeing and talking with him since he’s been gone. That said … Bill and I always found a way of lifting one anothers spirits by focusing on Jesus and His plan … not only for humanity as a whole … but as importantly and wonderfully His plan for us as individuals.
I hope you can find strength in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians … ‘For as in Adam all die … even so … in Christ shall all be made alive’. Billy has seen His face that I am sure of.
Bless you dear.
Joe
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during your time of mourning.
Bill and I met many years ago, when he was the Station Chief at Seymour Johnson AFB, and I came to work for him as a met tech. I never met a man more fair than Billy. He gave me a chance and I’ve always appreciated him for that. He will be missed by many many people and we are lucky that we got to enjoy him. Thank you for sharing him.
Dave
My name is A1C Rick Compton (later retired as a MSgt myself). I too served with “Bronco Billy” Harless, as he was my very first NCOIC and First Station Chief. I enlisted in 1979, I arrived at Seymour Johnson AFB (NC), and I met the larger than life MSgt Billy Harless. I was at Seymour as a Weather Observer, fresh out of Observer school, much to learn, but I quickly found out “Billy” was the greatest Weather Observer in the Air Force. He would tell us that, but we came to admire his knowledge and respect his rather DIRECT ways of running a station.
During my initial in-briefing, Billy (we all called him that in talk about him) he told me that he had 19 Excellent or Outstanding Operational Readiness Inspections (ORI’s) in a row. In my next 18 months at Seymour I found out exactly why. He was truly a walking encyclopdia of Weather Observing expertise.
I am saddened to finallly learn of Msgt Harless’s passing, now more than 15 years too late.
MSgt Harless, I salute you,
Your service to the nation was no less than extrodinary, your expertise in Weather Forecasting, Weather Observing, and teaching WEATHER to new Airman (like myself) was very professional and memorable.
Billy, I know you are still looking down at us (your team you developed) during your entire working career. I Sir (he would hate me to call him Sir) am proud to have been in your weather station, serving and learning under you.
Finally, The lessons Billy taught me, were an inspiration, and I took the many things he taught me in the 18 months I knew him, and I taught many other Airmen and NCO’s from that day foreward. Yes, when I left Seymour, I went to Forecaster School, then to my next duty stations always practicing what MSgt Harless taught me.
Everyone: Please look up TOGETHER we serve
https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/
I would be very happy to provide information on MSgt Harless, to his Family or his Son Billy should he wish to contact me. I believe MSgt Harless’s contributions to Air Force Weather would be an inspiration to people who read about him, as he was a guiding light and inspiration to my professional career in Military and post military work.
Billy, I did everything you taught me. Yes, I know it took you 20+ years to get your undergraduate degree, and I know I said I was “done” with school (when I met him I had a previous Associate degree)…yet Billy, because of you….I got my Master’s degree, and for other degress while in the USAF…and WHEN I went to the Education center, I did truly say–Msgt Harless sent me (that was at a later base–they looked at me funny)..yet it was right. Billy, you were right. Education was important.
My flight cap is off to this true weather professional, who led through example, took care of his Airmen, knew the weather book (FMH 1B)…and taught all of us NEW observers the ART of weather.
Because of “Billy”…I taught scores of airman and Sergants to look up, be proud, and provide the best weather service any person could provide.
rwc2222 at yahoo dot com
I would be proud to talk to anyone who knew MSgt Harless. He was the inspiration to me to stay in the USAF, and become the SENIOR NCO on CONUS 28th OWS, where I led 135 airmen and NCO’s to provide weather across and 8 State SE US area. All Because MSgt Harless taught me HOW to be a Senior NCO in todays Air Force.
Many men were good!
Billy made a differance..and his leadership is still felt by those he taught….Especially myself.
Rick Compton, MSgt Retired (2000)
Yes I stayed in the USAF,
Yest I completed my Masters Degree,
Yes I was a leader
***It all started with MSgt Harless….I will truly miss my boss, my friend, my Station Chief
Remember folks…..someone needs to list Billy in Together we served…I can’t because I only knew him a short time…but I will help if someone wishes to list this leader…so his legacy can be left for all of those Airmen and Sgt’s that do not know he is gone…I think it is important
Rick
Linda,
I am the Pam from Asheville Arthritis. I was deeply saddened to see that Bill had passed. It has been a while since I saw you and I had wondered how he was doing. I hope his death was a peaceful one. I share in your saddness. Bill was a great man and will be missed greatly. My thoughts are with you during this time.
Sincerely,
Pam
A co-worker and I were just sharing how nice a person Bill was. Before I transfered, we were in the same division for four years. In that time, I never saw his personality waver; he was the same with all people all the time. I thought he was a true gentleman, a man that was true to himself and a wonderful person to work with.
Hi Linda,
Billy had away of making me laugh and on days I needed to. I know he’s putting smiles on the heavenly host faces now.
God Bless,
Jimmy
Billy, I am so very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. It seems so bittersweet with you celebrating such a happy time with your wedding and the start of your new life. Now, having the sadness to deal with the ending of your fathers life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this sorrowful time. Take care and know that we are here for your family.
The Alter family
I am so sory for your loss. Please know that your entire family will be in my prayers during this difficult time.
Billy, our condolences to you and your family.
-Lorne, Trina, and Amelia
My condolences. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Harless Family during these difficult days. God Bless You all.
(NCDC friend & co-worker)
Our thoughts. love & prayers are with you and the kids. We remember Bill very fondly. Take care of yourself. Love Jane & Lou
Billy,
I am so very,very sorry for your loss please extend my condolences to your entire family. May it comfort you to know how very much others care. Peace be with you,
A Hewlett-Packard Friend — Dixie McTighe
My thoughts and prayer are with you and your family. God Bless you all.
Love,
Tracey
Our deepest sympathies and condolences for Billy and his family.
Bowie Boys & Girls Club
Football Program
Bowie, MD
We are so sorry to hear that Mr. Harless’s long and courageous battle with cancer has ended. We are thinking of you in this time of sorrow.
Jen, Sharon, Paula, Hope and Lisa
Billy and Ashley,
We were saddend to hear about your families loss our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Gary and Allison Rehm
We are sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you
Our prayers and thoughts are for all of you in North Carolina tonight, may all of you find comfort in knowing Billy is in a better place, a place of no pain.
Lee G.
Dear Tisa,
I am sending you prayers and love. I know what it is to have a parent die and I know that your family and friends will be a help for you as you grieve. Get as much rest as you can.
Love,
Betsy Kreutzberg
Tisa,
I was so sorry to hear of your father’s death. In reading about him, it is apparent he was a special man. My heart goes out to you and your family, and my prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Bonnie
Linda,
I worked with Dr. Bobbitt. Bill as you know was one of our favorite
people. I know you will miss him. He was a special person. The pain seems unbearable right now but God will help you and comfort you. YOu are in my thoughts and prayers.
We are sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Clyde & Christine Hensley, Rita Oxendine, Fletcher Cleaners
Dear Tisa,
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I remember from our conversations that his illness had been long and difficult. I pray that God will continue to comfort you and your family.
Dear Tisa,
Please know that I am remembering you and your family in my prayers.
Love,
Amy Breen
Granny,
im really sorry about papa. im keeping him and you in my prayers and in my heart forever. i loved him very much! things will get better soon. i’ll come in visit soon. i love you!
Billy,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Craig Family
Tisa,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you learn to live without your father in this world. I am certain that he in in a painless place now, and that your strength, your love and support were the glue that held your family together in these past years.
I feel honored to have walked with you these past 2 years, and pray that our paths will cross again.
Get some rest and have some fun before school starts again…
Love,
Diane
Tisa, I was so saddened to read of your father’s passing. I know that he was very special to you. You hold memories that will help you and your family to celebrate his life and its influence on you. Stay strong. God loves you, and so do I. Love, Ellen
i worked with Billy for about 13 years at the US Air Force. he will be missed.
Dear Billy and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I was saddened to hear of the loss of this ‘One of a kind’ gentleman. I always enjoyed speaking and laughing with Billy and sometimes working with him (on the phone mostly). Billy, you will never be forgotten by the HMTs at the Miami Weather Office. My condolences to Billy’s family and friends. Always keep smiling!!!
Billy will truely be missing by his extended family in the National Weather Service. I had the honor of working with him for many years and was glad I could call him a friend. My sympathies to his family.
Love you so much and miss you even more every day.