Dave Albert Harris was born October 19, 1927. He was born to Frank J Harris and Elsie Weber Harris in Llano Texas. He is survived by a sister in-law, Billie Jean Harris of Los Angeles California, two nephews Brady Harris and Bret Harris. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, brother Melvin "Bobby" Harris and nephew Bart Harris. He was also preceded in death by his uncle Dayton Weber and wife Patsy of Ingram Texas.

Dave was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist church in Llano Texas. He graduated from Llano high school and lettered in football . Football remained a joy for him his entire life. Being a dedicated, disciplined rancher though, he would not indulge in live football games on TV unless they were night games. He would record on VCR every game televised on the weekends. Any person that new him well had been forewarned, DO NOT REVEAL THE FINAL SCORE OR BIG PLAYS OF ANY FOOTBALL GAMES, when visiting in person or by phone! You would be chastised severely for doing so!!

Dave served in WW II in the US Navy aboard an aircraft carrier. After world WW II ,he became a merchant seaman and attained the rank of chief engineer of the heaviest licensed tanker at sea of that era. His ship hauled jet fuel under naval escort during the Viet Nam war. Dave was a dedicated sailor and seldom left ship for ports of call. He traveled the world on board ships and became a licensed private pilot. He owned his own plane and would fly to Fredericksburg often when he was off duty. He had the first private hangar at Gillespie County airport. In his spare time at sea he would plan his dream of retiring to his family ranch to construct and operate a large commercial hog producing operation. He retired from the merchant  marines in the 1970s to begin his "retirement" in farming, cattle and goat production , along with a 100 sow ,farrow to finish operation which was a state of the art facility for its time .

Dave's passion for animals, both wild and domestic was noticed by all who visited. He would adopt stray dogs , injured birds , and go to any length to nurse a sick or injured animal back to health. He was a dedicated conservationist who battled all enemies of the rangeland. He faithfully fought to keep his ranch free of cedar, mesquite, cactus etc. All the way into his late 80's one could find him in the heat of the summer, spraying prickly pear, snipping or spraying brush or weeds, repairing fences, baling hay for himself or neighbors. He could always find time to help a neighbor or friend in need. He worked hard every day to be a good steward of God's creation.

On his 90th birthday he received as a surprise gift, a helicopter tour of his beloved ranch. He marveled at the years of hard work that lay below him. He toured the countryside for about an hour, snapping pictures, directing the pilot to get low for this spot or that one. Shortly afterward, Dave decided a second retirement was in order and opted for assisted living as cold weather "is just not enjoyable anymore". He moved into the Villages at Windcrest and remained there actively engaging other clients with sea stories, tales of old Fredericksburg days etc. He especially enjoyed visiting with anyone that could speak German. He loved irritating a few of "the Imports" with his persistent display of his TRUMP 2020 ball cap and MAGA t-shirt! He would grin ear to ear when asked about it and say, "well they haven 't shot me yet !!!"

Last spring Dave began battling a different invader species of growth, this one in the form of bladder cancer. After one brutal surgery, he recovered briefly but later discovered more . He required full care nursing by hospice the rest of his days in a full care facility. Always dignified, never complaining,(unless he ran out of chocolate or fruit ), he could still crack a joke, be polite and humble , and get an update on the ranch. He became infected with covid recently and though he pulled through and tested negative again, it, combined with cancer, just became too much. He passed away quietly, January 26,2022 at the age of 94.

Visitation for Dave will be 4-6 p.m., Monday, January 31st, in Fredericksburg Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 1 ^st , in Der Stadt Friedhof, with Rev. Scott Hofmann officiating. Pallbearers will be : John Merz, James Worrell , Monte Koennecke , Scott Staudt, JC Feller, and Les Feller.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gillespie County SPCA or the charity of one's choice.