Billy K. Harless

Billy K. Harless, 72, of Fayetteville, WV died on Monday, March 14, 2005 at his home. Born November 30, 1932 at Helen, WV he was the son of the late Venry and Blanche Craven Harless. He graduated from Pax High School, received a B.S. degree from Morris Harvey College, Charleston and a Masters in Administration from Marshall University, Huntington. Bill served in the US Army in the 101st Airborne Division with an oversears tour of duty in Germany. Mr. Harless retired from the Fayette County Board of Education in 1989. He began his employment with the Board as coach at his alma mater, Pax High School. He served as principal of Mount Hope High School and Mount Hope Junior High for two years, principal of Nuttal High School from 1968 to 1986 and was principal at Collins Middle School, Oak HIll from 1987 until his retirement. He was a member of the Fayetteville United Methodist Church and for many years gave generously of his time and service to various community activities. He was past master of the MacDonald Warren Lodge No. 103 A.F. & A.M. and served as Worthy Patron of Winolia Chaper, I.E.S. at the same time in 1974. He was a former member of the Sewell Chapter No. 24 R.A.M. and Mount Hope Commandery No. 22 K.T. He was also a Rainbow Girls advisor and recipient of the Grand Cross of Colors. Bill was a former member of the Lions Club having served as International Relations Chairman, Zone Chairman, Sight Conservation Chairman, Deputy District Governor and District Governor of 29-N in 1982-83, receiving a International 100% District Governor Award. Survivors include wife of 46 years, Charlotte Pauley Harless; son, William Kent Harless and wife, Deena, of Fayetteville; daughter, Dr. Sheryl Harless-Mehta of St. Albans; brother, Edward Harless and wife, Jane Lynn, of Crab Orchard; half-brother, Gary Harless of Ohio; niece, Nancy Jane Harless Hickman and her daughter, Madison; nephew, Eddie Harless and wife, Cathy, all of Crab Orchard. Visitation will be held at Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill on Wednesday, March 16, 2005, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Services will be on Thursday, March 17, 2005, at 11:00 A.M. at Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill with Rev. David A. Stackpole officiating. Entombment will be at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Prosperity WV with military graveside rites by VFW Post #3110, Oak Hill. In lieu of flowers the family requests expressions of symapthy be made in his memory to the WV Lions Sight Conservation Foundation to the Mount Hope Lions Club, Chestnut Circle, Mount Hope, WV 25880. Members of the Lions Club will serve as pallbearers.