William "Bill" Stephen Harris, III

Lee County Coroner Bill Harris passed away Wednesday June 29, 2022 surrounded by family, while at his favorite vacation spot, the beach. He was born in Opelika, AL on November 24, 1954, to the late William Stephen Harris, Jr. and Helen Harris.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Christy Mann Harris; children: Drew (Claire) Weaver, Dylan (Rachele) Weaver, Mary Catemann (Remington) Peters, Will Harris; grandchildren: Margaret and Owen Weaver, Hut, Rhett, and Ann-Elise Weaver, Andrew and Adlee Peters; brother: Marc (Suzanne) Harris; nieces and nephews: Lindsey Pearce, Clayton Harris, Jackson Harris. He is preceded in death by his father-in-law: Huey Andrew Mann, Sr.

Bill was a loving and devoted family man. He adored his wife, children, and grandchildren. One of his greatest hobbies was photography. During family gatherings he was always there with his camera capturing memories of his children and grandchildren. He was never so happy than the day he became Papa, and the six times that followed that. He loved and was loved so much.

Bill was a devoted public servant to the citizens of Lee County. He worked for the Opelika/Auburn Newspaper, retired as a paramedic supervisor from EAMC, and served more than 30 years in the Lee County Coroner’s Office. He was so keenly aware of his responsibilities to the deceased and their families during the most difficult of times. He endeavored to do his job with professionalism and compassion. He was the first coroner in the state to be certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. He served as President of the Alabama Coroners Training Commission, board member of the Alabama Organ Center Advisory Board, State Fatality Management Group, Lee County Child Death Review Team, Alabama Violent Death Reporting System, and was an active member of the Alabama Coroners Association, serving as a past president. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to Gene Manning, who has been by his side as a friend and deputy coroner for many years, Charlotte Patterson, Daniel Sexton, Jackie Hamby, and to all the funeral homes Bill has worked with over the years.

Bill is remembered by family, friends, and colleagues for being a warm, caring, positive, dedicated, and loving person. He was a pillar of our community and will be missed dearly.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends and family beginning at 5:00 p.m. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Spencer Cancer Center of Opelika.