Gerald David Harris

On July 4, 2025, Gerald David Harris, our beloved father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 82. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that his children and grandchildren will cherish forever.

Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 7th at Bright Holland Funeral Home with Pastor Wade White of Maxey Baptist Church officiating. Burial will take place at Hopewell Cemetery. The family will welcome friends at the funeral home one hour before the service.

Gerald David Harris was born March 5, 1943 to Harley and Vera Harris and was raised in Paris, Texas. He graduated from Paris High School in 1961 and married Ruth Ann Crutchfield on September 6, 1968.

Gerald was a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church and Maxey Baptist Church. He served faithfully as a deacon, deeply caring for his church family, whom he loved very much.

He worked for the Texas Highway Department for 32 years, retiring in 1993. He also served in the Texas National Guard for 20 years, retiring in 1984. After his retirement, he remained active by driving a school bus for Chisum Independent School District and providing transportation for local funeral homes.

He cherished his time in the Hopewell community, where he took care of cattle, shredded pastures, visited neighbors regularly, played dominoes every week, and served as the caretaker of Hopewell Cemetery for 38 years.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Vera Harris, as well as his wife, Ruth Ann Harris. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Lantrip and her husband Les from Carrollton, TX, and Janet Sanders and her husband Joe from Paris. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Reece Lantrip of Aubrey, TX, and Joseph Sanders, Jacie Sanders, and Jonathan Sanders of Paris. His legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and family members who have offered support during this time. We are especially thankful for the care received at The Plaza and On Call Home Health and Hospice Care in Paris, TX. We deeply appreciate the tender, loving care provided by all the dedicated staff members there.

We are especially grateful for the support from his caretaker, Royce Dickey, who provided strength for our family during this time.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Bright Holland Funeral Home, especially to Ben Holland, for your unwavering support, meaningful conversations, and generous snacks. We are eternally grateful, and he was truly fortunate to have your friendship.