William R. "Mr. Bill" Harrison

William R. “Mr. Bill” Harrison, born November 11, 1937, passed away peacefully, Friday, April 4, 2025, at Springfield Regional Medical Center.

Born in St. Louis, MO to Raymond and Ruth Harrison, Bill was raised on the family farm in Albion, IL, along with his sister, Janet, and brother, Bob.

Bill was Valedictorian of his high school class in Edwards County and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1959 with a degree in Engineering Physics.

After college, Bill married Marilyn Breeze, started a family, and served in the United States’ Army Reserves. Bill worked as an oil and gas drilling engineer for Schlumberger for 7 years before applying for and opening his first Aamco Transmission franchise on High St. in Columbus, OH in 1967. He purchased a second Aamco franchise in Springfield, OH in 1976 and eventually sold the Columbus location. Bill was the longest tenured Aamco franchisee in the United States, owning a franchise for 58 years.

Bill was also a lifetime member of Sertoma (Service To Mankind), a 40-year member of and treasurer for Northminster Presbyterian Church, and a valued community member.

Bill loved sailing, finishing and sailing a 27-ft sailboat named Parulidae. He loved offering weekend sailing adventures on the CJ Brown Reservoir. Bill was also an avid bird watcher, gardener with a green thumb, member of Mensa, traveler, and camper. A passionate genealogist, Bill tracked down many distant relatives of his own and others, providing all with a richer history. Bill was a life-long learner, striving to always learn and expand his horizons, calling himself a “Renaissance Man and Polymath Wannabe.”

Bill’s proudest achievements were his relationships. He is survived by Diana, his wife of 40 years; son, Andy Harrison (Cathy); daughter, Mary Harrison-Giordano; stepdaughter, Jen (Charlie) Henze; stepson, Rob Adams. Bill is also survived by grandchildren Jordan Harrison, Hannah Striet (Matt), Luke Harrison (Andy); Marissa and Madeline Giordano (Mary); Emma Harkrider (Nathanael), Ruth, Olivia, Samuel and Selah Henze (Jen); Lilly and Grace Adams (Rob), and great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Sullivan Striet (Hannah); Marilyn Harrison, mother to Mary and Andy; brother, Bob Harrison; and numerous nieces & nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ruth Harrison; sister, Janet Lambert; and grandson, Adam Harrison.

  A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Sunday April 27, 2025 at 2:30 PM at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 400 Villa Rd, Springfield, OH. Visitation will precede the service at 1:00 PM. 

In addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to:

Northminster Presbyterian Church

400 Villa Rd., Springfield, Ohio 45503

Arrangements entrusted to the JONES-KENNEY-ZECHMAN FUNERAL HOME. Condolences may be shared at www.jkzfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William R. "Mr. Bill" Harrison, please visit our floral store.