88R31166 CJM-D
By: Dutton H.R. No. 2160
R E S O L U T I O N
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.