Billy Lee Harless

Billy Lee Harless, 89, of Anderson, passed away on September 1, 2024. He was born May 13, 1935, in Anderson, Indiana, the son of Jess and Helen Harless.

Bill was the first member of his family to attend college. He graduated from Ball State University. He taught social studies for many years at both South Side Middle School and Madison Heights. He was also Dean of Boys and coached many sports.

His love of tennis started at the age of 10. He tried out for the Anderson High School tennis team and after not making it his freshman year, he dedicated himself to becoming a better player. After practicing diligently every day, he returned the next year to make the team. His nickname was "The Wall" because he could always get every shot back. At AHS, he had a 42-3 record and was a part of two North Central Conference Championship teams. He was a member of the Junior Davis Cup team which was quite an honor.

He played on the US Army tennis team and spoke fondly of playing tennis in Germany. At BSU, he played two years at No. 2 singles and then two years at No. 1. In 1982, he was the first tennis player ever inducted in the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

He won 11 state titles, nine Western tournaments, and one national category 2 tournament in 1985. He was a three-time nationally ranked tennis player; from 1974 to 2009, he was ranked, usually No. 1 or at least the top two in both the state and the Midwest. He continued to play tennis until he was 88 years old. He would take a hamper of tennis balls and work on his serve almost every day. He continued to strive to become a better player throughout his life. He won singles tournaments well into his 70s. He coached tennis for the Parks Department for many years. He enjoyed tennis for 78 years.

To cross-train for tennis, he ran or walked almost daily and took up swimming, frequently swimming at the YMCA with his daughter Laura. He participated in the White River State Park Games in both tennis and swimming. He loved working out at the YMCA until he became ill. He loved dancing and was an Arthur Murray trained dance instructor. He never met a stranger and loved talking to every person he met.

Billy is survived by the mother of his children, Mary Alice Harless; son, William "Clark" (Raechelle) Harless; daughters Laura Lee Harless, and Kay Marie (Mark) St. Clair; grandchildren, Kennedy (Dan) Jewett, Helen Elizabeth Harless, Leah St. Clair and Noah St. Clair.

Also, surviving are his sisters, Linda (Jack) Reed and Nancy Lou Prus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert Harless.

Throughout his 11-month illness, he demonstrated true grit, perseverance, dignity and the greatest mental attitude. He never complained or felt sorry for himself. He continued to work out at home. His sister, Linda, and his eldest daughter, Laura, had the honor and privilege of caring for him. His beloved granddaughter Helen also took great care of him. He showed his appreciation for life and others daily. He was a true testament to a life well lived and he fought the good fight. He will be missed.

Visitation will be Friday, September 6, 2024, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 W. 53rd St. Anderson, IN.

Services will be Saturday, September 7, 2024, 10:00 am at the funeral home.

Burial will take place in the Anderson Memorial Park.