William Forrest "Woody" Harris Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, in Greenwood, SC at the age of 74.

Woody was born August 19, 1951, in Philadelphia, PA at Hahnemann Hospital, a son of the late William F. Harris Sr. and Lillian Bickhardt Harris. Woody grew up in Broomall, PA with his four siblings, graduating from Marple Newtown High School in 1969.

Woody was first married to the late Angeline Bonvetti in February of 1975 with whom he had three children, Richard A. Harris, James M. Harris and Julia M. Harris. Woody was an entrepreneur with a deep passion for aquatic life and pets. He opened his own aquatic pet store in Pennsville, NJ. His love for fish inspired him to collect and care for many species and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with customers. The success of his first store sparked future business ventures from pet supply stores to laundromats to lawn care.

Woody later married Mary Austin in April of 1990 and started their family in Newark, DE. They had three children, W. Forrest Harris III, Kathryn E. Harris and Samuel C. Harris. While raising their family, they made their home in several states over the years, including Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and Florida. Woody owned and ran a successful lawn care business for many years while in Florida. Woody was a proud member of Amelia Lodge #47 for Free & Accepted Masons where he valued fellowship, friendship and tradition. Woody was also a member of the Fernandina Beach Shrine Club where he passionately raised funds for childhood diseases. Later in life, as empty nesters, Woody and Mary also made their home in Michigan, Florida and finally settled in South Carolina over the last few years.

In his early years, Woody enjoyed photography, golfing, fishing, crabbing and cherished time spent taking leisurely cruises with his family on his pontoon boat. Woody had a special fondness for bulldogs, whose stubborn charm mirrored his own good-natured spirit. They made excellent companions while he tinkered outside building greenhouses later in life. He loved working with his hands, gardening and fixing things (often as a result of home renovation projects gone awry). His yard was often a place of quiet pride and constant projects. He had a special talent for propagating plants — often multiplying them faster than he could find places to put them. Friends and family were frequently sent home with cuttings whether they asked for them or not. When he wasn't outside with dirt on his hands he could often be found deep in a YouTube rabbit hole with whatever new curiosity caught his attention that day.

Above all else, he loved his family. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, or simply enjoying time together in person or on the phone, he took great pride in the people he loved.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents, William & Lillian.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Austin-Harris of Greenwood SC; his six children, Richard Harris (Renee) of Pennsville, NJ, James Harris (Angela) of Athens, OH, Julia Harris (Dennis) of Pennsville, NJ, W. Forrest Harris III (Chelsey) of Orlando, FL, Kathryn Keith (Joel) of Farmington Hills, MI, Samuel Harris (Thomas) of Jacksonville, FL; his four grandchildren, Skylar Harris, Hazel Harris, Amelia Keith, Kora Keith; two step-grandchildren, Maeleigh Hill, Braelyn Hill; his four siblings, Linda Bass (Bill) of Fernandina Beach, FL, Scott Harris (KyoungMee) of Peoria, AZ, Stephen Harris (Linda) of Tampa, FL, Andy Harris (Laura) of Charleston, SC, and a host of nieces and nephews.

In his honor, the family suggests planting something, fixing something while also leaving the project unfinished, laughing at a ridiculous movie, or going down a YouTube rabbit hole —preferably all in the same afternoon.

A Celebration of Life and time of remembrance and reflection will be held in Florida at the Amelia Island Museum of History, 233 South 3rd St., Fernandina Beach, FL on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Join us for a relaxed afternoon honoring Woody. Come share a laugh and a memory amongst family and friends. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

You may also share a memory, leave a condolence message and sign the online guest register at www.sammonsfuneralhome.com