William Burk Harris, 85, retired master chief of the United States Navy, of Chattanooga, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2015.
He was born December 20, 1929 in Melbourne, Arkansas to the late Frank and Audie Harris.
He was a resident of Chattanooga for the past 27 years and was a member of Ridgedale Baptist
Church and the Friendship Sunday School Class.
He and his wife moved to Chattanooga in 1988 to enjoy being a part of their grandchildrens’ lives.
With 30 years of service, he was a retired master chief of the U.S. Navy serving during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Mr. Harris was a member of the VFW; Fleet Reserve; the American Legion; and the Masonic Lodge of Millington, Tennessee.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Jonnie K. Harris; daughter, Cindy Swanger Loveless of
Chattanooga; two grandchildren, Danielle Swanger and William Lee Swanger; and one brother,
Richard Harris of Maine.
The family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Carter Hemphill and the Erlanger SICU
team for their excellent care and compassion.
The family and friends will gather for graveside services on 1:30 p.m. Thursday, September 3,
2015 at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Wylie Gross and Dr. Doug Plumlee
officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy.
There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church Building Fund, 8013 Hickory
Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421; or the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home on Lee
Highway.
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and
Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.