East Carbon City Press Release
East Carbon City is pleased to present the Honorary Citizen Award to Bill and Frances Harris for their exceptional contributions and years of quiet service and commitment to the community. Bill and Frances have continually supported community initiatives for food drives, school
fundraisers, fundraising for the EC whitewash and for a new flag on the outskirts of town, just to name a few.
When their children were involved in high school sports, they were active basketball and football boosters. Players could always count on sloppy joes cooking on the Harris stove on Friday nights of home basketball games, and players from visiting teams were welcomed for after-game meals and drinks before their trips home. Bill and Frances also served on the PTA when their children were younger.
Frances has volunteered weekly for a Humanitarian group for decades: tying quilts and lap blankets for nursing home residents and putting together humanitarian kits for senior center residents. As part of her humanitarian service, she also volunteers once a month for Newborns in Need, folding baby clothes, tying blankets, and sealing packets for new moms in need. Frances also drove special need adults to the Ann Self Center in Price when she was working at the Senior Center in Price.
While Frances was serving others, Bill could be found cleaning the chapel alone every week. Also, their children recall many times when he would gladly pick up and deliver coal to widows for their coal furnaces back in the day. “Bill the bus driver” was a favorite with the local school kids for friendly greetings and fun teasing along the way. He retired with a perfect safety record after more than 26 years of driving.
Age has slowed them a little bit, so snow removal for neighbors is a thing of the past. But even in their 80s, they both volunteered at the elementary school to teach children how to read. For years, they made plastic flowers for the every-grave-has-a-flower drive leading up to Memorial Day. They put together Halloween treats and goodie bags for the annual Truck or Treat activity, and they donate to the Angel Trees during the Christmas season. Bill still finds time to hand-tie flies for friends and neighbors. As for his past fishing days, he always contacted his older friends to see if they wanted to go with him.
In addition to their ongoing community service, Bill and Frances have served diligently in countless church callings. But perhaps more than anything, they deserve recognition for their quiet service and goodness within the community. From offering rides to donating winter coats to helping someone in need, and fulfilling that need graciously without being asked, is what makes their lifelong contributions noteworthy.
As a community, we sincerely thank Bill and Frances Harris and celebrate their ongoing commitment and exceptional service to our city.