Bill was a lifelong Nuns supporter, as you would expect from being brought up at The Rugger Tavern, next to The Harry Cleaver Ground, by his mother Doris and father Wash Harris. Wash played for the Nuns and Warwickshire throughout the 1930s and into the 1940s, keeping the club going during World War II, alongside his work in an armaments factory.

Bill was born in 1944 and after attending Vicarage Street School in his early years, became a boarder at Normanton School in Buxton. He was named as sportsman of the year twice and was captain of the school football and cricket teams. The school didn't play rugby, much to Wash's disgust.

Returning to Nuneaton, Bill originally worked as a salesman of butchery equipment then as a social security clerical officer. It wasn't long though before Bill found employment in an industry that reflected one of his passions in life. He worked originally as a wine and spirit salesman, followed by promotion to the role of district manager across public houses in the Rugby area. This was followed by a district and then national managership role for M&B, which then became Bass Taverns.

Bill's sporting prowess saw him playing hockey at Nuneaton Hockey Club from 1960 to 1970 then 1975 to 1986. A period of 21 years with a break of 5 years playing for Coventry and North Warwickshire Hockey Club.

Bill was also a keen and talented batsman/wicketkeeper on the cricket field. His cricket career at adult level started when the match secretary of Sterling Metals Cricket Club mentioned on a Friday night in The Rugger Tavern that he was down to 10 players for the following day's game. Wash immediately summoned Bill from upstairs, who as a result played a whole season at the club. There was no social media or even private phones in those days. Bill continued his cricket career by playing with distinction at Hinckley, Coventry and North Warwickshire and Nuneaton.

Rather than ending his sporting life when time caught up with him, Bill took up golf and played for many years at Oakridge Golf Club.

Bill's early link with the Nuns was to help his sisters Steph and Gwen sell programmes at home games but he never lost his link with the Nuns. Whilst Steph and Gwen, as adults, helped prepare the players' food, Bill was a member for many years, getting to as many games as possible until illness prevented his attendance. During the 1980s and early 1990s, he watched his nephew, Chris Southall, play for the Nuns and particularly enjoyed the third half of games, knowing so many patrons associated with the club. Bill secured sponsorship for the Nuns through his role at M&B, alongside his friend and colleague Frank Wilson, the ex Irish international.

Bill loved life, sport and people, especially his family. His ability to relate to others fuelled his personal life, his career and his sporting life and he will be very much missed by his family, the sporting community across Nuneaton and districts; but also by his many friends who were regularly supplied with cheese, fish and pickled savouries!

Bill's sporting ability was handed down to his son Bill Harris II, who also played hockey for Nuneaton for many years and was an outstanding cyclist. Bill Harris III, Bill's grandson, now carries the name and sporting mantle, showing great promise on the football field. The family connection also continues at Nuneaton Cricket Club, where Liam Seeley, Bill's grandson, is a player.

Bill's love of life will be cherished and upheld by his children: Bill, Becky, Gemma and Sophie and his grandchildren Emma, Clara, Bill, Thomas, Lucy, Liam and James.

Bill's family will release details of the funeral arrangements when they are available.