TITLE: In memory of Jerry Strickland Harris.

SUMMARY: In memory of Jerry Strickland Harris.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Memories of a life well lived may help to comfort those saddened by the passing of Jerry Strickland Harris of Longview on May 26, 2023, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, Jerry Harris was born in Marshall on March 4, 1935, to Ouida Lathem and James Colbert Harris; he was raised by his beloved aunt and uncle, Lula Belle and Exl Strickland, and he grew up with the companionship of a brother, Louis; a star athlete at Marshall High School, he earned a full scholarship to play football for Rice University, and he went on to receive the 1958 George R. Martin Award as the team's most valuable player; after graduating from Rice, he completed his studies at Baylor University School of Law in 1960; and WHEREAS, Mr. Harris subsequently moved to Longview, and he eventually joined a local law firm where he practiced for more than six decades; along the way, he used his skills and legal acumen to help many clients and also served as a mentor to a number of aspiring attorneys; he continued to practice law up until his last days; and WHEREAS, In 1961, Mr. Harris married Claire Roberts, and they were blessed with three children, Miriam, Melissa, and Houston; after that marriage ended, he was fortunate enough to find love again with Risa Horner Harris, with whom he shared the last four decades of his life; in his leisure time, he enjoyed outdoor activities like fishing, golfing, hunting, and skiing, and he had many happy memories of spending summers in Colorado and taking fishing trips to Lake Cherokee and Caddo Lake; he was known as a dear friend and a trusted listener, and he was also blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and a keen ability to help others see their own potential; and WHEREAS, Jerry Harris distinguished himself through his unwavering commitment to his profession and to his loved ones, and he leaves behind a legacy that will long be remembered; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Jerry Strickland Harris and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Risa Horner Harris; to his daughter, Miriam Jones, and her sons, Harris and Houston; to his daughter, Melissa McDonald, her husband, Scott, and their daughters and sons-in-law, Alexis and Scott Moody and Julia and Nolan Chumbley; to his son, Houston Harris, his wife, Dawn, and their children, Mary and Houston; to his stepson, James Singleton; to his great-grandson, Mac Moody; 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 Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jerry Harris. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 28, 2023, by a rising vote.