Rancho Cordova, California- Willie "Sonny" Harris Jr. passed away November 28, 2023 at the age of 90.

Willie was born September 16, 1933 to Willie Harris Sr and Ruby (Venerable) Harris in Mesa, Arizona.  A graduate of Mesa High school in 1952.  Shortly after he joined the US Air Force he was stationed at Mather AFB with the Fire Department.  After his service in Vietnam, Thailand and Korea he retired in 1972 at Travis AFB.  He began his Civil Service career at McClellan in 1973 and  developed renal kidney failure.  By the grace of God, Willie was given a second chance at life with a transplant operation at the UC Davis Medical Center on October 15, 1996.  Thanks to his transplant surgeon at that time, Dr. Richard Perez and his team performing another very successful surgery.  Following his transplant, he retired Civil Service in 1996.

With a new lease on life, Willie was able to live life to its fullest by spending much of his time fishing and following Rancho Cordova sporting events, and later joining the local RC Sportsmans Club. 

Willie’s quiet and calm demeanor was what made him so attractive to other people.  He was caring, loving, funny and always concerned about the happiness and well being of family and friends.  He was a jokester and a prankster who loved a good laugh, a great Western movie, and a tasty cup of coffee.  He was such a blessing to anyone who was lucky enough to be in his life.  His wonderful example of forgiveness, love, and hope has made all who knew him a better person.  We will miss him dearly!

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Harris, and daughter, Suzanne Proctor.  He is survived by his son, Anthony Harris (Kathryn), daughter in law, Pam Harris, Deborah Brown, Denise Bogan, Pamela Harris and son, Gerald Dye Jr, including 12 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren as well as many family and friends.