William Thomas Harris, Sr., known to colleagues as "Watertight," passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, at the age of 93. Born in Emporia, Virginia, in 1932 to William Jeffrey Harris and Roxie Harris, he later moved to Hampton, Virginia where he met and married Grace Harris.

Mr. Harris built a life defined by resilience and commitment - qualities that served him well throughout his 43-year tenure as a master shipbuilder at Newport News Shipyard. The nickname "Watertight" reflected not only his initials but the waterlines he worked on with skill and precision.

Mr. Harris valued structure and consistency both in his professional and personal life. He was a man of simplicity and routine, with a fondness for classic Westerns, a stash of peanuts nearby, and a freezer full of ice cream sandwiches for his great grands. Those who knew him well describe him as warm, friendly and dependable.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Grace Harris; parents William Jeffrey Harris and Roxie Harris; brother, Herbert Harris; and great-grandson Jason Jones, Jr.

He is survived by his children, Wilma Harris, William T. Harris, Jr. (Veronica), Deborah Harris-Spruell (Darryl), and Jeffrey Harris (Katriena). He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Keisha Harris, Rasheeka Lee (Alvin), William Harris III, Brea Watkins-Jones (Jason), Timothy Watkins, Jr., Chalfrantz Arrington, Donovan Harris, and Thaddeus Harris. His great-grandchildren include Talia Lee, Leigh Watkins, Talvin Lee, Sage Jones, Jason T. Jones, and Chamberlain Jones. He is also remembered by a beloved niece Evelyn Evans as well as cousins, extended family and life long friends.

Viewing will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, Virginia, with funeral services to begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, Virginia.

The family will receive flowers and expressions of sympathy at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions.