David Andrews Harris

Despite skiing double blacks past 80 and 30 pushups a day until death, David believed a beautiful life is measured less by personal accomplishments than service to others. This spirit was evident from an early age. At 12 years old, he took charge of a polio stricken friend, pushing his wheelchair through the streets of Sweetwater, Texas and helping him navigate school, cars and countless stairways until his passing as a high school senior. A reflection of his personality, David saw a need and quietly stepped in.

He was equally known for his mischievous sense of humor and ability to make people laugh. Family and friends still smile when recalling some of his legendary pranks—greasing the high school flagpole, feeding Ex-Lax to cattle in the school over a weekend, dangling from a rope outside second-floor classroom windows to distract classmates or tormenting Baylor University resident assistants. His playful spirit never left him.

David also believed a beautiful life required hard work. After graduating from Sweetwater High School in 1961 and Baylor University in 1966, he built a distinguished career as a Certified Public Accountant. Clients and colleagues respected him for his integrity, creativity, wisdom and genuine care for the people he served. His contributions extended beyond his profession into volunteer leadership with the City of University Park Finance Advisory Committee, Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, Irving Chamber of Commerce, Texas Society of CPAs, CPA-USA, Dallas CPA Society, Irving-Las Colinas Rotary Club, long time member of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church and as a Paul Harris Fellow.

His generosity often took quiet forms. Friends facing difficult times found bills paid, medical procedures financed and unreliable vehicles replaced. David never sought recognition for these acts of kindness; he simply saw a need and quietly stepped in.

Perhaps the greatest expression of David’s character was his unwavering devotion to high school sweetheart and cherished wife of 50 years, Gaye Martin Harris. As dementia gradually changed Gaye’s life, David honored his marriage by faithfully caring for her throughout the final decade of her life with remarkable patience, tenderness and love. His steadfast commitment remains one of the finest examples of the man he was.

David is preceded in death by wife, Gaye and parents, Jack and Francis Harris, long time residents of Sweetwater. He is survived by sister, Jeannette Bryant and husband, Loren, of Sweetwater; sons, Todd Harris and wife, Laran, of Houston, and Drew Harris and wife, Amanda, of Austin; grandchildren, Houston, Hank, and Cash Harris of Houston and Jameson, Annabelle, and Bennett Bryan of Austin; as well as numerous cousins and extended family who were blessed by his presence.

Special gratitude is extended to David’s dedicated office staff, Stephanie Jones and Joe Huang, whose friendship and support were unwavering. Special thanks also to longtime friend and companion, Ellen Stevenson, whose extraordinary care, kindness, and dedication brought great comfort in his later years.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 8011 Douglas Boulevard, Dallas Texas 75225, Friday, July 31, 2026 at 4:00pm