SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 3
In Memory
of
Orland Harold Harris
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins citizens
across the state in mourning the loss of Orland Harold "Ike"
Harris, an esteemed statesman, who died July 7, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Born on June 5, 1932, Ike Harris became a highly
respected public servant whose trailblazing leadership helped
shape the course of modern politics in the Lone Star State; he
will long be remembered for his many accomplishments and his
legacy of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, Ike earned a political science degree from the
University of North Texas in 1954; he began his career of service
as a member of the United States Air Force, and he distinguished
himself as an instructor pilot and was discharged in 1957 with
the rank of captain; he went on to earn a degree from Southern
Methodist University's Dedman School of Law in 1960, and he was
admitted to the bar that same year; he was later admitted to
practice law before the United States Supreme Court; and
WHEREAS, In November of 1962, Ike Harris was one of the
first Republicans to be elected as a state representative from
Dallas County, and five years later, he became one of only two
Republicans then serving in the Texas State Senate; and
WHEREAS, During his 27-year career as a senator, Ike was
known for his willingness to cross party lines to advance
policies that he believed benefited all Texans; he served as
chairman of numerous committees and provided skilled leadership
in such areas as the implementation of interstate banking and
insurance reform, and he made history as the first Republican to
be dean of the Senate; he helped carve a path for conservative
leadership in Texas by serving as an advisor to William P.
Clements during the 1978 gubernatorial race, which resulted in
the first elected Republican Texas governor in 104 years; and
WHEREAS, Ike Harris was the proud father of two daughters,
Wynn and Gillian, and the proud grandfather of Colby, William,
Cash, and Hayden; he found great joy in cooking for his many
friends and loved ones, and he cherished time spent with family
on the Texas Gulf Coast beaches, especially those in Port
Aransas; and
WHEREAS, Noted for his sharp mind, his amicable spirit, and
his engaging sense of humor, Ike Harris was beloved by many, and
he leaves behind memories that will long be treasured by all who
were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family of Orland Harold Harris; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Ike Harris.
Whitmire Nelson West Whitmire Nelson West
Whitmire Nelson West
Lucio Paxton Zaffirini Lucio Paxton Zaffirini
Lucio Paxton Zaffirini
____________________________________________________________
Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate
____________________________________________________________
Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate
____________________________________________________________
Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate
______________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on July 22, 2021, by
a rising vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
Whitmire Nelson West
Lucio Paxton Zaffirini