William C. Harris (Illinois politician)

William C. Harris (May 7, 1921 – December 30, 2004) was an American businessman and politician.

William C. Harris
official portrait, circa 1976
Illinois Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies
In office 1977–???
Governor	Jim Thompson
President of the Illinois Senate
In office January 10, 1973 – January 1975
Preceded by	Cecil A. Partee
Succeeded by	Cecil A. Partee
Member of the Illinois Senate
In office 1961–1977
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
In office 1955–1961
Personal details
Born	(1921-05-07) May 7, 1921 (age 104) Pontiac, Illinois, U.S.
Died	December 30, 2004(2004-12-30) (aged 83)
Political party	Republican

Biography

Born in Pontiac, Illinois, Harris served in the United States Navy during World War II. He then worked for his family's funeral home in Pontiac, Illinois and was in the insurance business. He served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1955 to 1961 and was a Republican. Harris then served in the Illinois State Senate from 1961 to 1977. In 1968, Harris unsuccessfully ran for Auditor of Public Accounts. He was the president of the Illinois Senate during the 78th Illinois General Assembly. In 1976, he unsuccessfully ran for Illinois Secretary of State. In 1977, Harris was appointed Illinois Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies.^[1][2][3]