William R Harris

Obituary For William R Harris

William Rodrick Harris, affectionately known as “Boogie”, was born on August 21, 1962, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to Ethelstine Harris and the late William Royal Harris. He was called home on January 9, 2026.

He accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy. William was a standout quarterback in high school and had the potential of playing professional football. His family was full of musicians and singers. He played the baritone in school and was an avid drummer as a child. William often played the drums with his father, brother and cousins at many events. His true passion was the drums, and he was no stranger to sitting in on jam sessions. Despite his respiratory issues he was an excellent whistler and could whistle any song with remarkable precision.

William was employed by Pinellas County School Board and St. Anthony’s Hospital. He also worked side jobs as an apprentice with Harris Brothers Plastering & Stucco. He worked with his family at the age of 11 and they taught him how to master the trade. He formed his own company called Bill’s Brush and Trowel and his work is on display throughout Pinellas County.

“Boogie” loved the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He took pride in flying their flag, attending their games and defending them no matter what their record was! He loved children, especially his nephews, nieces and cousins. He looked upon them as though they were his children. Family time was so important to him, and he was always ready to lend a hand to help make the family gatherings special and memorable. WE WILL MISS HIM SO MUCH!

The angels rejoiced as William is welcomed into eternal peace. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Rosie Jackson and brothers, Jerome Chambliss and Willie Charles Peak.

William leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion…he is survived by his wife, Taren Sykes Harris; mother, Ethelstine Harris; mother and father-in-law, Jim and Harriet Williams, he is remembered fondly by his sisters, Shelbie Joy Harris, Crystal Sheilanne Summerlin (Micheal) and Samantha Wallace (Leon) of Atlanta, GA; brothers, Everard Royal Harris (Verlandia) of Atlanta, GA, Roosevelt Jerome Kimble (Nekesha) and Victor Royal Harris. Mourning his passing and celebrating his life, aunts, Minnie Wilson of Columbus, GA, Darlene Flournoy, Celeste Harris and Julie Harris; nieces, Anita Rose Davis (Marcus) of Atlanta, GA, Alicia Harris of Atlanta, GA, Darcelle Flournoy, Jasmine Collier, Amber India Green, Asia Nairobi Summerlin and Amari Ayanni Summerlin and nephews, Marcus Harris of Atlanta, GA and Darian Flournoy; join a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. William will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A. M. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at The Greater Mount Zion African Methodist Church, 1045 16th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Entrusted Care to Smith Young Funeral Home & Cremation, Clearwater and Smith Funeral Home and Cremation Service, St. Petersburg