William Francis Harkins

William “Bill” Harkins William “Bill” Harkins, 88, died Thursday, February 13, 2014 in Abilene, Texas. The son of Alyne (Merrill) and William Henry Harkins, Bill was born on July 24, 1925 in Marshall, Texas, where he graduated from Marshall High School in 1941 before attending North Texas State University for two years. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Bill married Janice Comette Atkinson on August 22, 1950 in Abilene. Bill retired as purchasing agent from Texas Women’s University after a 36-year career. In 1988 he moved from Denton, Texas to Abilene, where he was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Doris McCauley and Sharon Harkins. Survivors include his wife, Janice Harkins of Abilene; three sons, Rick Harkins and wife Lynn of Ashville, NC, Randy Harkins and wife Janna of New Braunfels, TX, and Rob Harkins of Garland, TX; daughter, Holly Caley of Denton; and six grandchildren, Aaron Harkins, John Harkins, Bryan Harkins, Marissa Harkins, Courtney Arrant and Clayton Caley; a great-grandson, Cannon Arrant; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 17, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, with Rev. Caro Russell officiating, assisted by Rev. Felicia Hopkins. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Clayton Caley, Justin Arrant, Tyler Arrant, Dave Meador, Greg Atkinson and Aaron Harkins. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.