Dr. Robert L. (Bob) Harris

Dr. Robert L.(Bob) Harris, 89, of Bryan, TX passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Born July 25, 1931 in the hills of Huntsville, AR to Grover and Annie Hawkins Harris, the youngest of 12. Bob, as he was known to his friends and colleagues, was a humble, gentle, kind man who loved his family so much and was loved in return.

Growing up on the family farm during the depression presented many challenges but with the support of his large family, Bob made his way to the University of Arkansas, the first of his family to go to college. He eventually received a PhD in Entomology from Kansas State University and went on to work for the USDA for many years. His interest in science and entomology guided him through his professional and personal life. While at the USDA he was instrumental in helping to push back and eradicate the screwworm fly from Mexico.

Always the tinker, after retiring from the USDA in 1986 he embarked on creating food diets for butterfly growers and scientists around the world. He also dabbled in patents and in an effort to solve a problem created a power tool sharpening stone for his lawn mower. Bob loved solving a problem and was tenacious in his efforts.

Above all, Bob was a devoted family man, committed to God and living a kind and loving life. His care of others was always foremost in his mind and showed in his actions. Whether it was helping with a church project, a family in need or a friend wanting some advice, Bob was ready and willing to help. Bob can rest well knowing that his legacy is one of caring and love which we will never forget.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife Dee Caldwell Harris; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Russell Harris of Austin, TX and Jenny Hohmann Harris of Pflugerville, TX and John Janik of College Station, TX; one sister, Roberta Appleton of Huntsville, AR; grandchildren, Corbet and Ashley Ratcliff of Fort Worth, TX and Rachel and Taylor Delon of Austin, TX; two great grandchildren Hendrix and Sofia Ratcliff.