Cover for William Harris Wisham, Jr.'s Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

William Harris

William Harris Wisham, Jr. Profile Photo

Wisham, Jr.

December 21, 1942 – April 22, 2026

Funeral Services

Visitation

April
28

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

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Funeral Service

April
28

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

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Obituary

William (Bill) Harris Wisham Jr., a beloved husband of 66 years to Linda, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on December 21, 1942, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, Bill lived a life characterized by hard work, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to his family. He spent much of his childhood in Morton, Pennsylvania, and treasured summers in West Virginia with his Aunt Phyllis, time he carried with him fondly throughout his life. Bill attended Ridley Township High School (Class of 1960) and took great pride in organizing class reunions, ensuring that friendships were cherished and maintained through the years. Soon after his marriage to Linda, he joined the U.S. Air Force to provide for his young family. He served for four years, learning trades as a heavy machine operator and mechanic, and earning his G.E.D.. Professionally, Bill found his niche in the field of corporate training, working initially as a mechanic for CLARK Industrial Lift Company and Alliance Material Handling. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Teach-Me-Lifts, a fork-lift operator training business that reflected his dedication to teaching others the importance of safety and skill in their work. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was a man of great depth and compassion. He was known for his positive attitude and his life motto, "Better than the average bear." He loved to travel and did so with his wife and canine co-pilots right by his side. He accomplished many cross-continental RV trips, visiting all 50 states, and many national parks.

Bill was a dedicated family man, often seen cherishing time with his wife, Linda, and their five children: Christopher William Wisham (Liz), Keith Edward Wisham (Linda), Jennifer Anita Horan (Jim), Kathleen Eleanor Wisham (John), Roberta Phyllis Wisham; and his beloved grandchildren, Christopher, Jr., Amanda, Daniel (Joan), Brianna, Brison, Eryn (Kenny), Lori (Dave), Philip, Christina, Julia, Zackary, Michael and the late Brandon; and great-grandchildren, Christopher, III, Ava, Chase, Carson, Nathan, Benjamin, Emma, McKlane, and Kaleigh. He is also survived by nieces Kelly and Lisa; great-nieces and great-nephew, Jackie, Derick, Ellie, and Carrie; his brother-in-law Edward Boyer; and his former daughter-in-law Katherine Jackson (Dave), who remained like a daughter to him.

He opened his heart and home to many, embracing friends as family, and teaching those around him how to repair and maintain nearly anything. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially as a father figure and hero to many.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Harris Wisham and Julia Eleanor Leith Wisham, his aunt, Phyllis Sloat, his sister, Shirley Clendening, and grandson Brandon. Over the years, Bill made his home in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania, Aston, Pennsylvania, Cross Junction, Virginia, and finally, Port Deposit, Maryland, with winters at Pioneer RV Beach Resort in Port Aransas, Texas. A lifelong learner, he loved meeting people and hearing their stories. Bill also loved photographing the world around him, saving everyday moments and memories for his family to treasure. Whether he was coaching softball for the Aston A.A., RVing, sailing, riding bikes, operating his drone, or caring for his lawn with pride on his John Deere lawn mower, Bill approached life with exuberance, strength, generosity, and an infectious zest for living. A funeral service will be held on April 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., with a public visitation preceding the service at 10:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill's remarkable life, sharing in the love that he so freely gave to others. In the hearts of those he touched, Bill's spirit will always remain.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to PSC Partners Seeking a Cure (pscpartners.org).

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Harris Wisham, Jr., please visit our flower store.

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