In the early morning hours of Saturday, December 26, 2020, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, called his servant William Franklin Harris III to eternal rest. This occurred after a period of pain and suffering, while at Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center, Silver Spring, Maryland. William was fondly known as Billy or BK to his friends, and to his church family as Bill. He was born on July 11, 1949, in Washington, DC to the late William Franklin Harris Jr. and Alice E. Harris. He being the only son, was one of five children. Two sisters, Doretha Shaw and Juanita Roberson preceded him in death. He was educated and lived in the District of Columbia as well as in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, Maryland. William was employed with the General Services Administration (GSA), and was temporarily assigned to the State Department as a painter. There he met the love of his life, Thelma Martin, whom he later married. With the marriage came the blessing of a step daughter, Cheleece. God blessed this marriage with forty-three years as an affectionate love affair dedicated to one another. Their union flourished until he was called home. Upon ending his employment with GSA, he transferred to the Department of Interior, as a Custodial Work Inspector and retired in January 2006. William accepted Christ as his Savior while at New Dawn Baptist Church, was baptized and became a member. He was happy with his church family, loving the Word and worshipping in joyous fellowship. He never wanted to miss Sunday Services, but due to Covid – 19 virus, and various health condition he had, his attendance was altered. He loved the Lord and prayed frequently; read and meditated on the Word of God no less than three-four times every day. He was an old-school dresser and a lover of hats. He was a very humorous person, could make people laugh with his infectious personality and was loved by all. He had a kind and compassionate spirit. One of our fondest memories of him is when he used to dance to entertain his mother and father-in-law. It really made them happy, especially his father-in-law, who loved himself some Billy. Bill had a good heart as in one of his favorite quotes was "What good is money if your heart ain't right?". He was an avid sports home-team fan, loving the Redskins and Wizards. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life: a loving and devoted wife, Thelma; one step daughter Cheleece Martin -Gabbidon; two step granddaughters, Ebony S. Holmes and Melissa S. Gabbidon; two step great-grandchildren, Kameron C. and Akira N. Henry; mother-in- law Helen C. Martin; two sisters, Vivian Peterson and LaVerne Grant; three sisters-in-law: Joyce Hitch, Cleo Abner and Peggy Martin-Carter (Orlando); two brothers in-law, Reuben E. Martin (Irene) and Ronald Martin; and three very special friends: Harold Little, Reedo Corbett and Robert Hugee. Additionally, he is survived by many special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a loving church family. No flowers please. A private viewing for family only will be held at Snead Funeral Home & Cremation Services;5732 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC on Friday January 15 th , 2021 from 7PM to 8PM. A private memorial service for family will be announced at a later date.