Obituary of Charles Brady Harris

Charles Brady Harris, age 90, died in Fort Worth on July 24, 2018.Charlie, as he was known, was the fourth son of Sam and Frances Harris of Georgetown. In 1945, after high school, Charlie left to become a 16-year-old freshman at Texas A&M. While a senior at A&M, he met a pretty redhead from Austin, Clarolyn Frances Cramer. He and Clarolyn were married in 1949, two weeks after he finished A&M.He and Clarolyn enjoyed 69 years of marriage until her death in 2018. Three children were born to their marriage, Martha, Clark, and Laura, and all of them and their father and mother were blessed with a loving and caring family.Upon graduation from A&M, Charlie was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. He served for six years on active duty and an additional 18 years in the Army Reserve, from which he was retired as a lieutenant colonel. He was especially proud of his service as an Army Aviator, flying artillery spotter planes in the Korean War.After his active duty, Charlie attended the University of Texas School of Law. In 1977, he and Dee Finley, Jr., and two secretaries, formed the Harris & Finley law firm. The firm is now known as Harris, Finley & Bogle, one of the largest law firms in Fort Worth.Charlie loved the practice of law and continued to work until his death. He enjoyed mentoring young lawyers and played a leading role in many activities designed to better the profession, particularly those related to oil and gas law. In 1997, he received the prestigious Blackstone Award from the Tarrant County Bar Association in recognition of his “consistent ability, integrity and courage as a lawyer”.Charlie and Clarolyn enjoyed many weekends at their ranch west of Fort Worth. Many hours were spent tending to cattle, as well as simply passing time on their front porch – with Charlie often telling one of his many stories. He had many additional interests – flying airplanes, the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association, Aggie football, travelling the interior of Mexico, painting, backyard grilling and playing 42. He spent his life learning and often said books were some of his best friends. History books were his favorites.Charlie Harris was a man of integrity and high standards who left an impression on many people’s lives.Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Clarolyn, his mother, father, and three brothers, James, of Shreveport, and Sam and Jack, of Georgetown.He is survived by his children, Martha Harris of Dallas, Clark C. Harris of Austin, Laura H. Beverly and husband, J. W. Beverly, his grandson, Evan H. Beverly, of Bellaire, special friend of the family, Karla Nails, many nieces and nephews, and many friends.