Dan Harris Sr.

Dan McDuffie Harris, Sr. was born February 28, 1945 in New Boston, Texas to his parents, David W. and Nina McDuffie Harris and passed away on September 4, 2023.  Dan was raised in New Boston and graduated from high school there in 1963 after a stellar athletic career in baseball and football.

After graduation, Dan, or “Mac” as he was known by friends and family, attended the University of Alabama on a baseball scholarship where he played catcher for the Crimson Tide and was a two-year letterman.  While at Alabama, Dan married his high school sweetheart, Mary Elinor LaRue and raised a wonderful family during their 58-year marriage.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education he began a 35-year career in Texas Public School Education as a teacher, coach, counselor and administrator.  He started his career in New Boston, but after a year moved to west Texas to Denver City, and also had stops in Seagraves, Water Valley and Panther Creek ISD prior to his retirement in 2002.  During his career, his value of education led him to further his own education receiving a Masters Degree in Science from East Texas State University, a School Counseling Certificate from Eastern New Mexico University, and a Mid-Management/Superintendent Certification from Sul Ross State University. 

Education wasn’t Dan’s only, or his first passion.  He was a 5^th generation law enforcement officer, and named after his grandfather, Dan Lafayette McDuffie; a Texas Ranger who was killed in the line of duty in 1931.  Dan served as a police officer in New Boston and Denver City, Texas; including being Chief of Police in Denver City. He also served the Yoakum County Sheriff’s Department as a reserve commander and sniper for the Tactical Team.  His municipal service was not limited to law enforcement as he also served as Denver City’s Mayor for two terms.  Dan’s passion for law enforcement is evident in the fact that his son, Dan Jr. and grandson, Dan III are both career law enforcement officers. 

Dan was an avid hunter and angler who loved the outdoors.  Besides taking his grandkids hunting, fishing and arrowhead hunting, one of his favorite pastimes was to participate in “cowboy action shooting” at the McDuffie Range he built on his property in Water Valley.  He loved being a part of the Concho Valley Shooters and the Single Action Shooting Society.  Throughout his life he volunteered and was an active member of many organizations such as the Masons, the Boy Scouts as Scout Leader, and President of the Denver City Lions Club.  He received numerous honors and awards over his career and life, including induction into the prestigious University of Alabama “A” Club, and in 2001 was inducted into the New Boston High School Athletic Hall of Fame.   

Dan is survived by his wife, Mary LaRue Harris of Water Valley, Texas; son, Dan Harris, Jr. and wife, Katrina of Stephenville, Texas; daughter, Nina Reid and husband, James of San Angelo, Texas; daughter, Leanna Herzog and husband, Chris of Water Valley, Texas; grandchildren, Dan Harris III and wife, Kenzie of Amarillo, Texas; Halee Harris of Stephenville, Texas; Jacob Reid and wife, Annie of Kerrville, Texas; Kyla Reid of Dallas, Texas; JD Reid of San Angelo, Texas; Matthew Harris and wife, Stormie of San Angelo, Texas; Owen Herzog of Water Valley, Texas; Wyatt Herzog of Water Valley, Texas; great grandson, Jett Reid of Kerrville, Texas; sisters-in-law, Melba May of Nash, Texas and Glenda Harris of Athens, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; David W. and Nina McDuffie Harris, in-laws, Millard Lee LaRue and Fayola Blanks LaRue; brother, David W. Harris; and brother-in-law, Joe Lee May. 

A Celebration of Life for Dan will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 17, 2023; at Star Ranch/Stars on the Concho located at 10745 US Hwy 87 N, San Angelo, Texas 76901.

In lieu of flowers a memorial can be made in Dan’s name to the Water Valley Volunteer Fire Department at P.O. Box 311, Water Valley, Texas 76958.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at the Kerrville Funeral Home (830)895-5111.