Dr. Charles Lloyd Harris

Dr. Charles "Charlie" Harris, a dedicated physician, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, affectionately known as "Pops," passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on February 11, 2024. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Charlie's life was marked by a steadfast commitment to serving others and a passion for medicine.

Charlie's early childhood was spent in Dallas, where he attended Bradfield Elementary School before enrolling at Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio, Texas for high school, rising to the rank of Battalion Commander his senior year. He continued his education at Southern Methodist University for his undergraduate studies, followed by UT Southwestern Medical School, where he pursued his dream of becoming a physician and eventually became Board certified in cardiology, internal medicine and geriatrics.

During his residency, Charlie met the love of his life, Fran Fry, and their bond grew stronger over the years. They celebrated 55 years of marriage together, sharing a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

After completing his residency, Charlie and Fran embarked on a journey that took them from Sherman, Texas, to Phoenix, Arizona, where Charlie pursued a cardiology fellowship.

Eventually, they settled in Dallas in 1972, where Charlie practiced medicine until 2000 when they made the move to Temple, Texas.

In Temple, Charlie dedicated himself to serving veterans as a cardiologist in the V.A. Medical System and as an instructor at the Texas A&M School of Medicine. His expertise and compassion touched the lives of countless patients, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike.

Beyond his medical career, Charlie was an avid HAM radio operator and had a passion for aviation, fishing, and golf. He was a skilled private pilot and aircraft owner, combining his love of flying with a commitment to serving others. Charlie generously volunteered his time and his plane to deliver blood and medical supplies across the state of Texas, embodying the spirit of compassion and generosity.

In his leisure time, Charlie could often be found fishing at Lake Texoma or relaxing on the beaches of South Padre Island with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Lloyd Harris and his sister, Linda Harris McElroy Gibbons.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Fran (Fry) Harris; his son, Chip Harris (Debbie) and their children, Lindsay and Landon of Overland Park, Kansas; his son, Brian Harris (Amy) and their children, Mason and Maya of Colleyville, Texas; and his son, Christopher Harris (Angela) and Christopher's daughter, Kendall of Dallas, Texas.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Paula Nelson (John) and their son, Paul; his sister-in-law, Susan Epstein and her sons, Ben Epstein and Scott Wilson; and his nieces, Lisa McElroy Campbell, Leslie McElroy Hoy, and Molly Gibbons Norwood; and his nephews, Benjamin Thomas McElroy and Andy McElroy.

A memorial service celebrating Charlie's life will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75205, followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Ladonia Cemetery Association, PO Box 41, Ladonia, TX 75449 or Ladonia Methodist Church PO Box 185, Ladonia, TX 75449.