Individual Details

Death

Jerry D. Harris, longtime Lamesa, Texas native, passed from this earth on January 15, 2026. He was at home surrounded by loved ones. Harris farmed and ginned cotton in west Texas for over 60 years. He was born in Lamesa, on June 1, 1943, he grew up on a cotton farm west of the Ten Mile Community and graduated from Klondike High School. Jerry served the agricultural industry through countless leadership roles, and he was recognized for his service by a wide array of organizations. Recognitions included National Ginner of the Year, Man of the Year in Agriculture by Texas Tech University, and Distinguished Texan in Agriculture by Texas A&M University. Harris served as Chairman of the State FSA Committee across four decades, through the Reagan Administration, both Bush Administrations, and the first Trump Administration. Harris's professional success and agricultural accolades were always secondary to his devotion as a servant of Christ. God blessed him with many skills and resources, and he committed those blessings to furthering Christ's Kingdom. He supported mission efforts across the United States and Internationally, and this included personal mission trips to Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Trinidad and Tobago. One example of his dedication is that he was a daily Bible reader for more than 40 years, without fail. He believed in the importance of Christian Education, and served on the LCU Board of Trustees for 30 years, including 20 years as Board Chairman. Jerry's priorities were Christ first, family second, and everything else after that. Jerry met Nelda McGee on Lamesa's famous Wall Street, and they were married soon after high school. They spent the next 65 years of their lives together. Jerry traveled extensively as part of his many roles, and he always wanted Nelda by his side. In the early 2000's, they discovered a love for RV travel, and they visited every state. Their most adventurous excursion was a 6-week trip to Alaska, and this trip created many wonderful memories for both of them. Jerry leaves behind Nelda, as well as one daughter, Renee Furr, and one son, Brandon Harris with wife Desiree. Their grandchildren are Blaze Taylor with wife Macalee, Hunter Harris, Hanna Harris, Kenedy Furr, Kamryn Schexnayder with husband Keegan, and Tyner Harris. Harris was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Brynn Taylor, and Ryser Taylor. Jerry's example will continue to guide his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for many years to come. His surviving siblings are sister, Shirley Thomas and brother, David Harris. Jerry was preceded in death by father John David Harris, mother Dorris Elizabeth Harris, and brother Larry Don Harris. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Children's Home of Lubbock. Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Lamesa Church of Christ. Interment will follow at Dawson County Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Branon Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lamesa Church of Christ.