Rick J. Harris

Rick J. Harris, 73, of Pampa, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Briarwood Church in Pampa. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Rick was born on December 12, 1952, to Bill J. and Betty Jo Harris. He was a lifelong resident of Pampa. Rick graduated from Pampa High School in 1971 and went on to continue his education at Texas Tech University. Rick was very vocally talented and received a voice scholarship from Texas Tech. While attending school in Lubbock he was the lead singer of a Rock-n-Roll band, “Battle Creek” where he kept many people entertained in Lubbock and the surrounding areas.

Rick graduated with Honors from Texas Tech in 1975 and was accepted into the Texas Tech School of Law that Fall. He graduated with his Law Degree in 1978 and was licensed to practice law in Texas that same year.

Rick married his High School sweetheart, Cindy Cambern Harris, on August 5, 1978, and they made their home in Pampa. Rick loved his wife, Cindy, with all of his being. They both enjoyed traveling, going to the movies, and chasing around their grandchildren. Their relationship spanned more than 50 years; a true testament of their love and dedication to one another.

Rick was very civic-minded and community-focused. He held many positions ranging from being a volunteer coach at the Pampa Optimist Youth Club, being involved with Pampa High School Booster Club and Pampa Lions Club, to holding the position of both the City Attorney for the City of Lefors and the Municipal Court Prosecutor for the City of Pampa for over 20 years.

Baseball was a true passion for Rick, which led him to become a member, and board member, of the local chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) for over 18+ years. He took much pride and enjoyment in umpiring High School baseball for many years. He also volunteered his time as a softball umpire for the City of Pampa. Outside of baseball, one of Rick’s favorite hobbies was fishing. He made many cherished memories fishing in New Mexico at the UU Bar with this brother, Randy.

For over 48 years in the legal profession, Rick built a strong law practice and reputation in the Texas Panhandle. He was fair, hard-working, and compassionate. He always stated that he may not have been the smartest attorney around, but that no one would outwork him or be better prepared. Those facts were always very evident. Rick took much pride in the fact that his son, Taylor, also became an attorney and moved home to practice law with him for the past 15 years. Although Rick is no longer here to continue his legal work, his office is left in the best hands of his long-time officer manager, Jennifer Kidd. Other special thanks go out to both Jerrie Anderson and Misty Payne.

Rick was very much a family man. If he wasn’t in the courtroom, you could find him at the ball field, soccer field, or football field watching sports. He was present for every sporting event or extra-curricular activity his son or grandsons were involved with, no matter the distance, weather, or circumstances. You would see Rick with his green and gold Pampa hat, his “big green” foam finger, a camera on his shoulder, and a smile on his face. The Pampa Harvesters, Texas Tech Red Raiders, and the Chicago Cubs were his favorite teams. His presence and support for this family were always evident and will never be forgotten.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Bill J. and Betty Jo Harris, and brother, Randy Harris.

Rick is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cindy, his son, Taylor, and wife, Keely, grandsons, Jack and Graham Harris, all of Pampa, a sister, Judy Osborn, and husband Steve of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, a sister-in-law, Pam Harris of Pampa, nieces, Kim Hogan, and husband Bob, of Amarillo, Kelley Payne of Borger, and Kameron Britten, and husband Carey of Borger, nephews, Brandon Osborn of Edmond, Oklahoma and Kevin Osborn, and wife, Ashley of Hockley, Texas.