By Uher                                                H.R. No. 441
         76R6824 MDM-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The passing of the Honorable Ed J. Harris on
 1-2     February 10, 1999, at the age of 78, has brought a great loss to
 1-3     the family and many friends of this esteemed Texan; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Born in Trinity County, Judge Harris graduated from
 1-5     Ball High School in Galveston in 1937 and later obtained his law
 1-6     degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Law after
 1-7     valiantly serving his country as a Navy pilot in World War II; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, With his wife, June, he enjoyed a union that was
 1-9     built on a foundation of mutual love, trust, and respect, and these
1-10     values fostered a warm and caring environment that nurtured their
1-11     children and grandchildren over the years; and
1-12           WHEREAS, He distinguished himself throughout seven highly
1-13     productive terms in the Texas House of Representatives, during
1-14     which time he served his Galveston constituents with the utmost
1-15     integrity and distinction; and
1-16           WHEREAS, While serving in the legislature, Judge Harris was
1-17     named Outstanding House Member of the 62nd Session by the Texas
1-18     Lawmen's Association and was a charter member of the "Dirty 30" who
1-19     led that session's noted legislative reform movement; active in
1-20     Galveston politics as well, Judge Harris served as a member of the
1-21     city council and as Democratic precinct chairman; and
1-22           WHEREAS, A dedicated jurist, he presided over the 10th
1-23     District Court of Texas in Galveston from 1977 to 1992 and  was
1-24     known for his fairness and wisdom during his exemplary tenure on
 2-1     the bench; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, Judge Harris also had a highly successful and
 2-3     rewarding career as an attorney and was a senior partner in the
 2-4     esteemed Galveston law firm of Harris, Martin, Carmona & Cruse; and
 2-5           WHEREAS, This noteworthy gentleman demonstrated an unwavering
 2-6     commitment to the people of Galveston County and to all the
 2-7     citizens of Texas; those who were privileged to enjoy his
 2-8     friendship will surely miss his presence, and they will undoubtedly
 2-9     treasure his memory for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
2-10           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-11     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of the Honorable Ed J.
2-12     Harris and extend sincere sympathy to his wife, June Harris, and to
2-13     his many other loved ones; and, be it further
2-14           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-15     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
2-16     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
2-17     Ed J. Harris.