Dr. Gary L. Harris

Dr. Gary Lee Harris was born on March 17, 1954, at Houston Heights Hospital in Houston, Texas, and passed away on April 13, 2026, in Houston at the age of 72. He grew up in Houston, attended Pasadena Dobie High School, and went on to study at Baylor University in Waco, where he met Kim, the mother of his children. He then earned his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas and built a successful general and cosmetic dentistry practice. Together, they raised their family in Dallas, where he ran his practice for many years. He genuinely cared for his patients and treated each person who walked through his doors with humor and a personal connection.

Faith was central to Gary’s life. A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Dallas, he was open about his journey to sobriety and the role his faith in Christ played in that transformation. He led the church’s Celebrate Recovery ministry, sharing his story with others walking a similar path. He also partnered with Dallas Theological Seminary to provide free dental care to visiting missionaries. Gary’s life was marked by a deep desire to share Christ’s love, both in word and in action, with everyone he encountered.

Gary had a lifelong love for the outdoors and adventure. He was an avid marathon runner and competitive cyclist, completing events such as the Hotter ’N Hell 100. He enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, sailing, boating, scuba diving, and spearfishing. He summited Longs Peak in Colorado, inspiring his son Parker to pursue mountain climbing as well. His daughter Melanie, influenced by Gary’s example, went on to study outdoor recreation in college.

Gary spent many cherished days at Cedar Creek Lake with his wife Debbie, where he was known for having the loudest speedboat on the lake. He loved being on the water, especially fishing, whether from the end of his dock or out in the cove his home overlooked. Some of his favorite moments were teaching the grandkids to fish with live bait off that same dock. He was known as Papa to all of them.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lucian Frank Harris and Elaine Redman Harris, and his uncle Roy and aunt Ruth Harris, who held a special place in his life.

He is survived by his daughter, Melanie Harris, her husband Benjamin Graham, and her children Sam, Quinn, and Betty Lark Sutton; his son, Parker Harris, his wife Makayla, and their children Benjamin and Hannah; his wife, Debbie Harris; and a wide circle of extended family, friends, and patients whose lives he touched.

Gary’s family finds comfort in the certainty of his faith in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. He would want all who read this to know the same grace and redemption that changed his life.