SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2
In Memory
of
Jerry Harris
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.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate