Bill Harmon

William A. Harmon III, 86, of Grand Rapids died peacefully, and passed into eternity on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Bill was a longtime resident of Traverse City and a member of First Congregational Church (Mission Hill Church).

Bill was born on May 2, 1939 in Hillsdale, Michigan.  He was the oldest of three children born to William and Ethel (Pearce) Harmon. Beloved husband of 57 years to the late Judy Harmon. Loving father to Shelly Harmon, Brenda Harmon Zeevaart (Scott) and Scott Harmon (Lisa) and cherished grandfather to Luke, Sam, Kate, Owen, Leyton and Noah.

He graduated with a degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University and later contributed to the M.S.U. Kellogg Farmers Leadership Program teaching seminars throughout Michigan, the United States, and South America. In partnership with his wife, Bill owned and operated High Lake Orchards, a 230-acre fruit farm on the Old Mission Peninsula, as well as a cooperative stake in Cherry Growers, Inc. He enjoyed serving his church, industry and community through board service and elected Peninsula Township positions, in addition to being a volunteer for the fire department.

Bill was a sweet, gentle and quiet soul who dearly loved his family and many friends. He was a reserved man of faith, who modeled integrity, and leadership.  He was not about earthly possessions, but he certainly loved his John Deere tractor and his Airstream Coach.  He adored animals, camping, sports, country music and nature. Over the years, Bill spent countless hours mentoring boys of all ages through his work on the farm and various youth programs.  

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, to please consider a donation in his memory to Mission Hill Church, programs for youth.

All who knew and loved Bill, are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Mission Hill Church, 6105 Center Road, Traverse City. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m.  Bill will be interred in the Garden of Remembrance immediately following the service.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bill Harmon, please visit our floral store.