William Harrison III Obituary

William Henry "Bill" Harrison III, a retired geophysicist, U.S. Air Force veteran, and gifted classical pianist, passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas, on June 18, 2025, at the age of 87. His life ended at home with his family, thanks to the excellent services of Houston Hospice and wonderful women from the Friendly Faces agency who helped care for him.

Born in Dallas, Texas, on February 20, 1938, to Frances Elizabeth Crisp Harrison and William Henry Harrison, Jr., Bill spent most of his young years on a farm in northwest Arkansas. This upbringing cultivated in him a great love of and curiosity about the natural world. He developed a particular interest in trees and built a deep knowledge of many species. A graduate of Fayetteville High School, Bill earned his bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Arkansas before joining the Air Force, where he became a meteorologist.

Bill began his postgraduate career working for a private weather firm in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he met and married his wife, Betty Ann. When they were ready to start a family, they moved to New Orleans, where Bill became a geophysicist with Geophysical Services Inc. They soon welcomed their daughter, Leigh, and later moved to Houston, where their son, William IV, was born. Bill continued his career in geophysics for more than four decades, working for GSI, Gulf Oil, Chevron, and several other firms.

Bill had many deep interests. A lifelong Presbyterian, he faithfully sang in the church choir and attended services regularly. He enjoyed many genres of music, but most often he listened to or masterfully played works from Chopin and Liszt. An avid bridge player, he was one of four friends who played together for 30 years. While he read classic novels and books about ancient history, he also enjoyed Perry Mason, Poirot, and Nero Wolfe. He stayed current with the news of the day.

Many friends and colleagues were unaware that Bill battled Crohn's disease since he was 40 years old. It wasn't easy. We observed his perseverance living with the disease with awe and pride.

Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Harrison; his daughter, Leigh Harrison Kent (Matthew); son William Henry "Bill" Harrison IV; and four grandchildren, Nathan and Kaitlyn Harrison and Elizabeth and Caroline Kent, who brought him great pride and happiness. He is also survived by his sister, Mebane Harrison, and brother, John Claibourne Harrison (Susan). He will be remembered for his intellect, congeniality, integrity, perseverance, quiet humility, and love for his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at ChristChurch Presbyterian in Bellaire, Texas, on Saturday, July 19, at 2 p.m. The family will have a private graveside service at the Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to support the mission of ChristChurch Presbyterian.