David James Harris

David James Harris was born in Linden, TX, on October 20, 1955,  to Smoky and Dorothy Harris. David was the youngest of his siblings: Philip Harris and Kathy Harris Parker (each deceased.)  David passed away just shy of age 70, while battling health issues.

David attended school at Linden-Kildare. He grew up in the community of Caves Springs, in Cass County. Marrying young, David and wife, Peggy, lived in his cherished community of Bear Creek, which he affectionately referred to as the “Grass Burr Triangle.”

David had a kind heart. He grew up with a bold spirit and a love for life’s simple pleasures. In his youth, on weekends, he could be located at Lake O’ the Pines, among friends called “the pack of lake rats.”  He was full of energy and loved playing volleyball, swimming, listening to loud music, and raising hell.

David had a life-long enjoyment of riding the back roads with friends, soaking in the smells. David loved being outside. Over his lifetime, great times were had at Pruitt Lake, Black Point, and Lacey Bridge (the wooden one.)  In later years, early morning adventures and misadventures, in hunting, fishing and frog gigging, were often with his sidekick, Tyson Hayes. If one wanted to “hang” with David, one had to get up really early!

David worked hard his whole life. He was well known for his ability to operate ”anything yellow that ran on diesel.”  (Yellow is the color of most construction heavy equipment.)  David, as a “steady hand,” spent much of his life working as a crane operator. From sunrise to sunset, David could be found high above the ground, meticulously lifting and placing steel objects with his crane’s hook. He loved climbing high into his “perch,” where no one “messed” with him. A Midland, Texas reporter did a feature newspaper article on David which was titled, “Lonely at the Top.” David’s skill and dedication helped build projects that will stand for generations, as true testament to the legacy of his craft.

His career, in which David took great pride, often led to work commitments in various states. He enjoyed exploring the back roads and byways of those regions. He was always happy to get home to “Bear Creek,” to work in his garden or relax under his shade tree. David would also garden “big” with his dad and his brother, who’s homesteads were two miles away.

In recent retirement, David’s constructive outside activities were cut short by the lack of circulation in his foot. His last 18 months were spent riding-his-recliner and tending to his invalid mother, Dorothy. Dorothy was somewhat deaf; therefore, she never complained about how loud David’s TV played his much-loved westerns or ball games, especially his LSU Tigers!!

David is remembered for his intelligence, which he often hid under his cornball vernacular. On Facebook, you may miss being entertained by David’s postings.  His prolific postings, coming from his big “Pea Patch” in the “Grass Burr Triangle,” included beautiful pictures of nature.  Another favorite topic was his family. He adored his darling granddaughter, “Bug.”  He often shared his pain, coming from the early loss of his friend, his sister, Kathy.

His memory will live on with the stories he shared, the memories of the capers he pulled, and in the hearts of his friends and family that loved him.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Smoky and Dorothy Harris; brother, Phil; sister, Kathy Harris Parker; niece, Kristi Hulme-Hargis; and, sister-in-law, Lanette Burnett.

David is survived by his cherished wife, Peggy Harris; son, Jeremy; granddaughter, Hailey; two nieces, LeAnn Harris and Keri Hulme Hitchcock (Chris); in-laws, Charlie and Inez Peterson; brother-in-law, Kelly Roe (Clarissa); nephew, Aaron Roe; plus, great-nieces, an aunt and numerous cousins.

David chose cremation under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden. Family and friends are invited to a casual Celebration of Life, which will be held at noon on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Pruitt Lake (coordinates 32.945688, -94.486309). For easier directions, please reach out to a family member.

David’s relatives, generations of Harris’, are buried at Caves Springs Cemetery.  If you desire, a memorial donation may be made to the Caves Springs Cemetery Association via mail at: 1208 C.R. 1619, Linden, Texas.