Bartley Doug Harris

Doug Harris, age 89, passed from his earthly life and into the arms of Our Heavenly Father with his wife by his side on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 after courageously battling cancer and heart disease during the past 7 years. One would hardly have known it because of his indelible spirit.

Doug was born in Seymour, TX on July 15, 1933, to Bartley & Lois Harris, and grew up in San Antonio after his family of 5 packed their household belongings during the Depression and migrated south from Seymour. He graduated from High School in San Antonio and attended Texas A&M and the University of Houston.

He met the love of his life, wife Shirley Ruth Harris while working in Houston, Texas. They married in 1957, and at the time of his death had been married 65 years.

A successful & professional businessman, Doug spent his career as a Real Estate Broker and founder of B. Doug Harris General Contractors. Some of the company's most notable projects included Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin, Cross Lutheran Church in New Braunfels, as well as the development of numerous Sub-Divisions, Condos, and Shopping Centers throughout Austin and across the State of Texas. He was also proud to have served as Project Manager for the construction of the LBJ President Library on the UT Austin Campus.

Doug's greatest joy was spreading his story of redemption through our Savior Jesus Christ, and he was particularly grateful for the decades of friendships he was so richly blessed with during his 46 years "of trudging the Road of Happy Destiny" at the Suburban Alcoholic Foundation's Northland Group, whereas a "Friend of Bill W's" he served on the Board of Trustees for 5 years during two separate terms.

Doug was passionate about our nation's Founding Principles of Christianity, the Constitution, and of Texan's strong sense of Independence & Self-Reliance.

He was long active in church activities, as an Elder of St. Paul Lutheran Church, and as a member of Bethany Lutheran Church where he loved to sing in the choir and was known to have a marvelous voice.

His long legacy of devotion to God and others will be both remembered and carried on in the hearts of all he came in touch with. His friendship will be missed and cherished by so, so many - by everyone who knew him.

In addition to his wife Shirley, Doug is survived by his brother Scott (and wife Cathy) Harris of Lakeway, Texas, his son Steve Harris of Cedar Creek, Texas, daughter Cindy Harris Meurin (and husband Sonny) of Austin, and granddaughters Britney & Kaitlin Meurin of Austin. He was preceded in death by daughter Brenda, his parents, as well as brother Bill, sister Lindell, and daughter in law Cathy Harris.

The family would like to extend its sincerest thanks to the staffs of Assisting Hands Home Care, and Hospice Austin for their loving assistance during Doug's final months - and wants to most especially thank their long-time caregiver and close dear friend Becky Hoffman for her years of devoted service & love.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at the Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Dr., Austin, TX 78749. Following the Service & Graveside Prayers, friends are invited to join the family there for food & refreshments as they honor and remember Doug's remarkable life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, Doug & Shirley suggest Memorials be sent in his honor to: Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 West Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 7879; the Northland AA Group at 2809 Northland Drive, Austin, TX 78757; or to a charity of your choice.