Roll Call Tribute

Jerome Dee Harris Jr.
JULY 10, 1936 – SEPTEMBER 13, 2020

Jerome (“Jerry”) Dee Harris, Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2020, at the home of his youngest daughter in Iola, Texas.

Jerry was born on July 10, 1936, in San Antonio, Texas, to Jerome and Barbara Harris. He grew up enjoying time with family and friends, and participated in multiple sports. This included a special love for baseball and – beginning in his professional career – a passion for the game of golf. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jerry attended and graduated from Texas A&M University (then Texas A&M College), where he proudly served in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Following graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1958, Jerry served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was honorably discharged. In that same year, he married Betty Ann Hollers (also from San Antonio, Texas) and subsequently had three children.

Jerry enjoyed a successful engineering career that spanned more than 60 years. He prided himself on being a consummate professional that was respected by both his fellow colleagues and clients, and frequently served as a trusted advisor and mentor to team members and friends over the years. Outside of his professional life, Jerry was a devoted husband and father that enjoyed spending time with his family, including coaching his children’s many sports teams. Guiding all of his efforts was a devout Christian faith that drove Jerry’s enthusiastic involvement in local church activities and willingness to help those in need as evidenced by his strong financial support of numerous charities and social organizations.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty who passed away in 2004 after 46 years of marriage, and is survived by his sister, Barbara Ann Shepard. Jerry is also survived by his three children – Kathy Milthorpe '82, Leslie Lundquist '85 and Wes Harris '89– and their respective spouses – Mike Milthorpe, Jeff Lundquist and Brenda Harris. Finally, he was a beloved grandfather (“Papoo”) that will be greatly missed by Hannah Milthorpe (including fiancé, Ryan Roseboom), Lauren Lundquist '12, Justin Lundquist '14 (including wife, Callie), Mitch Lundquist, Chloe Milthorpe, Peyton Harris and Kiersten Harris. Finally, the Harris family appreciates the kind and loving care provided by Texas Home Health Group of College Station, Texas, during Jerry’s final week of his life.

Given the health challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, a formal celebration of life for Jerry will be postponed until conditions warrant for a safe in-person group event. The Harris family looks forward to providing additional information as to the details for the celebration when appropriate. In lieu of flowers, the Harris family would appreciate any donations be made in Jerry’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice.