William Lee Harned

William (Bill) Lee Harned, 84, of Indianapolis, went to be with Jesus on June 27, 2026. To quote a dear friend, “To be in Bill’s universe meant you were going to laugh and enjoy life.”

Bill, the oldest of four children, was born in Rineyville, KY on July 19, 1941, to Chester and Ollie Tom Harned. Tragically Bill lost two of his brothers, Clarence (Butch) Harned and Donald (Donnie) Harned when they were in their 20’s. He enjoyed spending time with his youngest brother, Billy Owen Carson.

Stories of Bill’s childhood painted a picture of resilience and adaptability. Bill was only 6 years old when his father, Chester, who was serving in the army in Germany, lost his life in an auto accident. Some years later, Bill’s mother, Tommie, married Luther Carson who also served in the army in Germany. Bill’s teenage years were spent in Germany until he enlisted in the army himself. On returning home to the United States, Bill attended and graduated from the University of Kentucky. He remained a devoted UK basketball fan until the very end.

Bill wore many hats in his work life—schoolteacher, restaurateur, hotelier, and at the age of 50 became a stockbroker until he retired at the age of 70. His favorite pastimes included reading, playing cards and spending time with family and friends where there was always good food involved. He and Jeanne started a Gourmet Club 1989 which continues to this day as treasured friends meet to enjoy good food and fellowship. Bill volunteered at Calvary Church food bank while snowbirding in Florida, and at Midwest Food Bank and Lawrence Pantry while in Indiana.

Bill was a Christ follower who impacted many as he talked with golfing buddies and neighbors about Jesus and led small group Bible studies in FL and IN. Even after the cruel disease of Alzheimer’s robbed him of most of his cognitive abilities, he always enjoyed the daily devotions and prayer that he and his wife, Jeanne, did in the morning, ending that time by singing “This is the day that the Lord has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it!”. Bill was a member of Fall Creek Church and was loved for his faith in Jesus and his outgoing nature.

Bill is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Jeanne, his son, William (Bear) Harned of VA, his daughter, Leigh Anna (Sissy) Harned of KY, and Bruce Harned of FL from his first marriage to their mother, Louella Harned, deceased. He was a father to Adam Weber of Indianapolis and Amy Davis of GA. He was a much loved Grandpa to Danielle and Angelina Harned, Cade and Cole Weber, Billly (Bill’s namesake) and Charlie Zurcher. He is also survived by his youngest brother, Billy Owen Carson. Bill is preceded in death by his father, Chester Harned, his mother, Ollie Tom, his brothers, Clarence (Butch) Harned and Donald (Donnie) Harned, and his stepfather, Luther (Luke) Carson.

The Celebration of Life for this special man will be held on Monday, July 13, at Fall Creek Church, 8901 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis, IN. Visitation 10-10:30 and 10:30-11:30 service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Bill further, make donations to Fall Creek Church Fall Creek Church | Give or the Alzheimer’s Association online Donate to Alzheimer's Disease Research or by mail to Alzheimer’s Association,225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.