Aug. 20, 1920-April 12, 2004

Billie Burke Harris of Bend died Monday of natural causes. He was 83.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. today at Deschutes Memorial Gardens in Bend.

Mr. Harris was born Aug. 20, 1920, in Adel, Iowa, to William and Otha (Rogers) Harris. He married Olive Webb on June 30, 1945, in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, England.

Mr. Harris served in the Army during World War II.

He owned and operated Bend News Agency, a magazine wholesale distribution company, until his retirement in 1979.

He was a 40-year member of the Elks Lodge 1371, a past member of VFW 1643, Eagles Lodge 2089 and the American Legion.

Mr. Harris enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, hunting and bowling.

Survivors include his son, Michael of Klamath Falls; two daughters, Ann Wilson of Prescott Valley, Ariz., and Shirley Abbott of Bend; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife and two sisters.

Deschutes Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.