Orland Harold "Ike" Harris (June 5, 1932 – July 7, 2021) was an American politician from Texas who served in both houses of the Texas Legislature.

Orland Harris
Member of the Texas Senate
from the 8th district
In office
November 21, 1967 – January 10, 1995
Preceded byGeorge Parkhouse
Succeeded byFlorence Shapiro
Member of the Texas House of Representatives
from the 51-3 district
In office
November 21, 1962 – January 12, 1965
Personal details
Born(1932-06-05)June 5, 1932
Denton, Texas, U.S.
DiedJuly 7, 2021(2021-07-07) (aged 89)
Political partyRepublican
Children2
Alma materUniversity of North Texas (BA)
Southern Methodist University (LLB)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Air Force
Years of service1954–1957
RankCaptain

Biographical sketch

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Harris was born June 5, 1932, in Denton, Texas.[1] Harris graduated from the University of North Texas in 1954 with a degree in political science. He then served as an instructor pilot in the United States Air Force. He received an honorable discharge with the rank of Captain in 1957. He then earned a Bachelor of Laws from Southern Methodist University School of Law.[2] He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1962 as one of nine Republicans of 150 total members.[3] He was sworn into office on November 21, 1962.[4] He served a single term in the Texas House. In 1967, he was then elected to the Texas Senate joining party convert Henry Grover as one of two Republicans in that chamber. He served in the Senate until 1995. After the decennial redistricting, Harris was drawn into a district with fellow Republican and freshman Senator Florence Shapiro. Harris chose to retire.[5] Shapiro succeeded Harris in the Texas Senate.[6] Harris died in 2021.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Senate Biographies" (PDF). The Capital Gazette. Texas Senate. 1973. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Orland Harold "Ike" Harris". Austin American Statesman. July 9, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  3. ^ "O.H. 'Ike' Harris". Legislative Reference Library of Texas. Archived from the original on September 4, 2018. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  4. ^ "Oath of Office - Orland Harris" (PDF). Legislative Reference Library of Texas. November 21, 1962. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  5. ^ Knaggs, John (January 15, 1994). "Senate battles forecast". Austin American-Statesman – via NewsBank.
  6. ^ Kelley, Chris (November 6, 1994). "Cain, Harvey vie in redrawn District 2". The Dallas Morning News – via NewsBank.
Preceded by Member of the Texas Senate from the 8th District
1967–1995
Succeeded by