Well, friends, the world just got a little less colorful with the passing of William “Bill” Walter Harrison, Jr. Born on August 3, 1950, Bill was quite the character, and his departure on February 28, 2024, left a void that can only be filled with laughter and irreverence.
Survived by his daughter Ali Renee Harrison, son David Justin Harrison, and a pack of brothers – James Lee, John Wayne (MaryAnn), and Patrick Henry, Bill also leaves behind his cherished miniature pincher, Schatzie, who probably has no idea what’s going on but misses the guy anyway.
In his heyday, Bill hustled at the Open Air Market in Ocean View, where he learned that life is too short to sell fruits and veggies. His stint at the HRBT (known as “W.W.” by his coworkers) was memorable, though we suspect most memories involved creative use of colorful language.
Bill climbed the corporate ladder at Volvo Group North America for a whopping 38 years before he called it quits, proving that if you stick around long enough, they might just make you the boss. Retiring didn’t sit well with Bill, so he decided to join Altmeyer Funeral Homes because, hey, what’s a little career change when you’ve already conquered the auto industry?
At Altmeyer, Bill’s talents knew no bounds. From escorting the departed to chauffeuring the bereaved, he took pride and showed utmost care and respect in his service to families. He was also a proud brother in the Masonic Lodge #266 and a card-carrying member of the Shriners at the Khedive Temple – where he probably cracked a few jokes that would make even a sailor blush and he did it all with a style that can only be described as “Bill-esque.”
Bill’s family reunion in the afterlife just got a lot rowdier as he joins his parents, sister Sandra Mathis and her husband Gene Mathis, sister-in-law Edna G. Harrison, Cindi K. Harrison, Elizabeth “Nanny” Harrison, and his most favorite uncle, James Thompson. We bet they’re already sharing stories and raising a glass to the man who lived life unapologetically.
Known for his refined palate that embraced the finer things in fast food, Bill had a love affair with Doug’s Hot Dogs, Mr. Jim’s, Surfrider, Golden Corral, Rally’s, Zeroes, and anything else that came in a paper bag. He could often be found on his boats, sailing the Chesapeake Bay and The Cove in his trusty boat shoes, proving that you’re never too old for deck shoes and adventure.
Bill’s love for Nascar was as unwavering as his love for fast food, and he could spot a left turn from a mile away. Western movies were his other passion, where he learned that a cowboy hat can make anyone look cool.
But let’s not forget Bill’s true talent – his appreciation for the fairer sex. A ladies’ man to the end, he never let his age get in the way of showing his admiration for the female form. Bill loved women until the very last heartbeat, and we’re pretty sure he’s charming the angels as we speak.
A memorial service to celebrate the life, laughter, and crass humor of Bill Harrison will be held on March 10, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
In honor of Bill, please donate here because, let’s face it, that’s what Bill would have wanted.
Cheers to a life well-lived, Bill – you’ll be sorely missed, but never ever forgotten.
