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William Craig Harris died peacefully on December 6, 2021, with family at his side. Craig was born to William Glenn and Gloria Swonson Harris on March 11, 1951 in Germany where his father was stationed with the US Army. As the oldest and only son, he was soon joined by his three sisters: Debra (Frost), Kathy (Hebb) and Wendy (Charles). The family traveled the world (Germany, Taiwan and France) enjoying their childhood as “Army brats,” eventually settling in Tucson, AZ where Glenn retired in 1968. Craig graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1969 and soon thereafter joined the Army. Like his father, he was first stationed in Germany. He then volunteered for two tours of duty in Vietnam with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Craig was very patriotic and proud of his service to our country.
When he returned to Tucson, he used the GI Bill to attend Pima Community College to become a Respiratory Therapist. After working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson, he moved to Sierra Vista and worked for over 30 years at the Sierra Vista Community Hospital in various Respiratory Therapy and leadership positions. Craig was very active in competitive chili cooking with the High Desert Chili Pod, was a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the VFW. He dearly loved the Sierra Vista community and all of his friends and neighbors there.
Craig is survived by his daughter, Carly, and granddaughter, Gloria, who will be told many wonderful stories about her “Poppy”; three sisters; nephews Shaun (Missy) and Matthew (Alicia) Frost, Weston and Colton Charles; and great nephews Connor, Garrett, Logan and Preston Frost. He is also survived by stepson George and his family; stepdaughters Jill, Sandra and Marla and their families.
Craig will be interred at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, AZ in early 2022. A Celebration of Life will take place at that time. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project (PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or online at supportwwp.org) or the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (635 W. Roger Road, Tucson, AZ 85705) would be greatly appreciated. Craig was very much an animal lover and was predeceased by his little dog Bailey, his loyal companion for many years.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Harris, please visit Tribute Store. https://adairfuneralhomes.com/tribute-ajax/print-obituary.html?id=231163
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Kathleen Krank (1969)
I am so saddend to hear of Craig's passing. May he rest in peace.
Anne Clark (Smith) (1968)
It is a sad day to learn of another PAHS alumni's passing. His family and friends will be in my prayers during this exceptionally difficult time. May they take great pride in his service to his country with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade in northern Vietnam. It will be an honor to make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in his name.
Bill Baker (1968)
While I did not know Craig personally, I knew him. He will forever be remembered as a Brat and a soldier and a contributor to society. Thank you, Craig, for your service to America and rest in peace! Bill
William Hansard (1969)
Craig Harris was one of my best friends at PAHS. We did a lot together in school, at the Teen Club, and just hanging out together. Craig was riding the handlebars of my bike when we were sideswiped by a Renault full of Algerians. An Army ambulance took us to the hospital. We both limped badly for weeks after, Craig with his crooked smile. Craig was one of the most thoughtful and friendly people I ever knew. His family took a vacation to Holland and he brought me back a little wooden shoe with a bottle opener. I loved his perpetual cheerfulness most of all. He was always smiling, happy, looking at the fun side of life. We emailed earlier this year and he mentioned a fishing trip he was planning. Craig knew how to have fun. I was also born in 1951. George Ellis was my best friend at PAHS (we lived a few doors from each other in Vaucresson). With both of them gone, I have to say my best friends from that era have preceded me. I am fortunate to have other good and dear friends, Paris Pirates, still alive. And my very first girlfriend, Mary Griffin, I believe is still with us. Those were great years for all of us blessed to have been there, at that time, together. Paris Pirates Forever! Will Hansard