In God's Care

William Nathaniel Harris

"Willie Woo"

November 21, 1940 - March 26, 2021

William Nathaniel Harris was born on November 21,1940 in Sanford, North Carolina, to the late Neily Judd Simmons and James Baker Sr. "Willie Woo" as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, never met a stranger. He was a wise, cheerful and hard-working man who lived fully and loved deeply.

When he was a child Willie and his mother relocated to Steubenville, Ohio, from North Carolina where he would remain a life-long resident of "Steel Valley." He enjoyed being a part of the industrial, small-town community where you work hard and play harder. As a young man in his thirties, he was drawn to the work in the railroad industry and served there faithfully for over 30 years until he retired as Foreman in 2007.

Willie was a true "Renaissance Man" who had several interests and hobbies including collecting rare jazz albums, specifically by his favorite artist John Coltrane; fishing at Tappan Lake, chopping wood to light a roaring fire and traveling. He enjoyed the finer things in life and could often be seen impeccably dressed when he was out on the town in his Kangol hat, Brioni suit and Stacy Adams Alligator shoes.

He was an avid sports fan. He loved Steubenville Big Red and OSU football as well as his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers but he enjoyed no sporting events more than watching his children and grandchildren excelling in their God-given talents on the field and on the court. He was always their loudest and biggest supporter.

His family meant the world to him. Whether he was being "Dad", "Pa Pa" or "Big Willie"; these were the roles he enjoyed most of all.

Some of the words of wisdom he could be heard sharing with loved ones include; "Spend Some, Save Some", "Finish What You Start" , "Never Let Them See You Cry" and "Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions."

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior later in life and began attending Mt. Carmel Community Baptist church in 2014. That loving Savior welcomed him as he transitioned from earth to heaven on March 26, 2021, at the age of 80.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Neily Judd Simmons; his adopted father, Tom Harris; step-father, Ulysses Simmons; and his biological father, James Baker Sr.; two sisters, Donna Lynn Simmons, and Dorothy Townes; and two brothers, Robert "Bunny Woo" Simmons, and Ulysses "Rumpus" Simmons.

Those loved ones left to love, honor, and celebrate the memory of his life include his beloved wife Doris Taylor Harris; four sons, Phillip (Sheles) Thompson, Willie (Wendy) Walters, Joseph (Deidre) Walters, and Khalil Jones; six daughters, Madonna Harris, Sophia Harris, Danielle (Giovanni) Sposito, Vonetta (Thomas) Jones, Shatara Walters, and Michalene Jones; sixteen grand-children and four great-grandchildren; four brothers, Hamilton (Darla) Simmons, Jeffery Simmons, Michael (Crystal) Simmons and James (Barrie) Baker Jr.; three sisters, Lillian Simmons Benjamin, Rhonda Baker, and Pamela Baker; an uncle, Jerimiah Judd and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at the Gregory-Martin Chapel and Life Event Center, 255 S. 7th St., in Steubenville, Ohio. A final visitation will occur on Friday, April 2, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service, 11:00 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 717 Adams St., in Steubenville, Ohio. Interment to follow at Union Cemetery.