TITLE: In memory of Sammie Charles Harris.

SUMMARY: In memory of Sammie Charles Harris.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the passing of Sammie Charles Harris on March 12, 2023, at the age of 79; and WHEREAS, The son of Sammie Lysha Harris, Betty Stockton Harris, and Cloteal Harris, Sammie Harris was born on June 18, 1943, in Houston, and he grew up with two brothers, Rector and Roby, and a sister, Donna; he attended Jack Yates High School, where he was an honors student and a member of the swim and basketball teams and the cheerleading squad, and he continued his studies at the University of New Mexico, becoming one of the first students to integrate the school's swim team; he later graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, and he went on to enjoy a successful career as an engineer with Union Carbide and Lockheed Martin, among other companies; and WHEREAS, A Vietnam veteran, Mr. Harris was a captain in the U.S. Army and the recipient of a number of recognitions, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal; he served his community as well, and for many decades, he recruited and mentored students at historically Black colleges and universities; in his leisure time, he enjoyed playing golf; and WHEREAS, Mr. Harris shared a rewarding marriage with his wife of 57 years, Selma, and he took great pride in their daughters, Tatia and Courtney; as the years passed, he was further blessed with six grandchildren, Brittany, Gaston, Hunter, Mya, Ryan, and Collin, and three great-grandchildren, Mason, Kamryn, and Malakye; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his family, his faith, and his community, Sammie Harris will forever be a source of inspiration to those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Sammie Charles Harris and extend heartfelt sympathy to all those who mourn his passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Sammie Harris. Dutton Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2160 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 24, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House