Richard Alexander Harris, Jr., 79, of Denton, died from a cardiac event on Sunday, August 4, 2019 while attending the Grand American World Trapshooting Championships in Sparta, Illinois.  Richard was born July 1, 1940 in Denton, Texas to Richard (Dick) A. Harris, Sr. and Cornelia Cardwell Harris.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Dr. Joneel J. Harris, son Richard (Rick) A. Harris, III of Denton, daughter Dr. Lisa Jo Harris of Frisco, and grandsons Alec Harris, Dale Harris, and Cole Harris.  Survivors also include his beloved brother Robert W. Harris, wife Deborah, and cousin Mary Louise Harris, all of Denton.  Notably, Richard and his brother Robert, jointly shared ownership and responsibility for the Dick Harris 000 Ranch without ever having a cross word between them.  He is also survived by many, many other extended family members and friends across the USA that he cared about deeply.

In 1962, Richard completed his BA in Mathematics at the University of North Texas (UNT) and began graduate studies.  During this time he developed a passion for computers and became the second employee hired in the first Computing Center at the University.  The completion of his Master's thesis was interrupted when he was named Interim Director of the Computing Center.  A year later, Interim was removed from his title and he continued a 43 year career dedicated to assembling an outstanding staff and ensuring the highest quality technology resources possible for the growing University and the UNT System.   Richard was a founding member and past president of the Texas Association for State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) and founding member of the DFW Society for Information Management (SIM).   One of his most cherished honors was receiving the SIM Information Technology Executive of the Year Award in 2004, primarily as a result of his leadership in the UNT System implementation of a web-based, multi-campus, Enterprise Information System (EIS). Richard took pride in being a man of great integrity and was regarded as incredibly honest and fair in all professional and personal relationships.  He retired in 2005 as UNT Associate Vice President for Computing and Chief Technology Officer for the UNT System.

While sharing many hobbies over the years with his wife and family, retirement enabled him to fully live out his motto, "It's never too late to have a happy childhood."  Fun times were had and fond memories created traveling in his Prevost, attending RV and motorcycle rallies, off-roading, competing in trap shooting events, a little golf, tinkering with his cars, playing Pokemon Go, spending time at the family Moss Lake cabin, sunrises, making new friends, and just enjoying being with family and friends. Richard's failing vision ended his 153,750 target shooting career after several 100 straights and winning an abundance of trophies at local, state, and national levels. He continued to support his wife in the sport and proudly encouraged her achievement of Lady II All American Team status in 2018 and her efforts toward the 2020 team.  Richard prided himself in saying he was her number one "sponsor, sugardaddy, and loving husband."  His goal was to live life to its fullest, which he did, while being the kindest, most generous husband, father, grandfather, and good friend, who will be missed by all.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 14, 2019 from 1 PM until 3 PM, at Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust, Denton, TX, 76201.  Celebration of Life for Richard A. Harris, Jr. will be Wednesday, August 14, 2019, 4 PM to 8 PM, Denton Country Club, 1213 Country Club Rd, Argyle, TX 76266.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to one of the following or to a charity of your choice in Richard's memory:

The Richard and Joneel Harris Scholarship in Higher Education

University of North Texas

University Advancement

1155 Union Circle, #311250

Denton, Texas 76203

Texas Trapshooters Association (TTA)

Youth Scholarship Fund

℅ Jerry O'Connor

800 Baltimore Dr.

Herford, Texas 79045

CASA of Denton County, Inc.

614 N. Bell Avenue

Denton, Texas 76209