Obituary of William Kenneth Harris

William K. Harris, 86, of Gloversville, died Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville. He was born February 2, 1923 in Gloversville, the son of the late Kenneth and Eva Craig Harris. He attended Gloversville Schools and was a lifelong area resident. He was a co-owner of his family's former glove lining business, Harding & Harris Fur Corp. William served in the United States Coast Guard's European, Asiatic- Pacific and American Theatres during WWII and has been a member of the Gloversville VFW since 1947. A local historian and genealogist, his interests were with family history, local history and the history of the Revolutionary War period. He married the former Mildred J. Bowen of Tuckahoe on March 22, 1947. They enjoyed forty nine years of marriage until her passing in 1996. William is survived by a son, Alan K. Harris of Gloversville; John Akey of Gloversville who has been as a son to him; a daughter, Valerie Hesslink of Amsterdam; a granddaughter, Stephanie Johnson Donald of Arkansas; a grandson, Taylor Hesslink of Amsterdam; three great grandchildren: Devin Johnson, Gracie Johnson and Jayden Johnson as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia L. Decker and a brother, Robert K. Harris. There will be no calling hours or services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, NY 12078. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville 12078.