TITLE: In memory of former state representative Jack Harvey Harris.

SUMMARY: In memory of former state representative Jack Harvey Harris.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life of professional achievement and dedicated public service drew to a close with the passing of former state representative Jack Harvey Harris on March 13, 2017, at the age of 85; and WHEREAS, The son of Frank and Marguerite Curry Harris, Jack Harris was born in Houston on December 12, 1931; he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953 and proudly served his country for eight years, rising to the rank of captain; during and after his career in the military, he attended a number of different colleges, including Texas A&M University, and he went on to complete bachelor's and master's degrees and a doctoral degree in dental surgery; and WHEREAS, Dr. Harris built a successful private practice of dentistry and periodontics, which he operated from 1961 to 1991; he also shared his expertise as an assistant and associate professor of periodontics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and as a member of the advisory board of the Health Law & Policy Institute at the University of Houston Law Center; a leader in his profession, he served as president of both the Texas and American Dental Associations, and he held membership in the Houston District Dental Society and other groups; recognized with myriad honors throughout his career, he published widely in local, state, and national dental journals and delivered presentations at conferences and universities around the world; and WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan decided to take on a more prominent role in shaping public policy, and his election as a legislator precipitated a 12-year tenure in the statehouse; from 1985 to 1997, he worked diligently to advance the interests of his constituents in Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties, and he lent his insight to the deliberations of committees on public health, natural resources, environmental affairs, higher education, and many other key issues; he remained active in civic life after leaving office, serving as a Brazoria County commissioner from 1997 to 2008; and WHEREAS, Admired for his devotion to his family, Dr. Harris had a rewarding marriage with his loving wife, Mary Ellen, that spanned more than six decades, and he was immensely proud of their son, Rick; through the years, he was further blessed with two grandchildren, Ryan and Kathryn, as well as a treasured great-granddaughter, Avery; and WHEREAS, Jack Harvey Harris was a man of considerable gifts and accomplishments whose life's work left an indelible mark on his profession and community, and he leaves behind a record of service that will continue to inspire all those who had the good fortune to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable Jack Harvey Harris and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Mary Ellen Harris; to his son, Rick Harris and his wife, Susan; to his grandchildren, Ryan Harris and his wife, Stephanie, and Kathryn Harris Jones and her husband, Dustin; to his great-granddaughter, Avery Madison Jones; to his sisters, Jean Pulleyn and Jane Shephard and her husband, David; and to his other relatives and friends; 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 the Honorable Jack Harvey Harris. Craddick Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1068 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 6, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House