Randall Matthew Harris was born January 23rd, 1961, in Fremont, NE to Robert and Suzy Harris.
When he was young, the family moved Randy and his brothers, Mike and Ronnie, to Summerfield, TX where the boys attended school. In 1984, the Harris moved to Clovis, NM. Randy attended Eastern New Mexico University, where he walked on to play football for the Greyhounds, which was one of his proudest achievements. He would be the first to tell you that in his collegiate football career he was never the biggest, fastest, or strongest, but he had "a heart the size of the entire defensive line." He completed his undergraduate studies and received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Finance. After graduation, he moved to Oklahoma to attend The University of Tulsa College of Law, where he graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 1988.
Randy returned to the Clovis/Portales area where he worked for several local attorneys, including Harry Patton, Michael Garrett, and Doerr and Knudson, before becoming an Assistant District Attorney in Portales. In 1990, he took a great leap of faith and decided to run for the office of the District Attorney. At the age of 28, he was elected District Attorney, making him the youngest DA ever, in the state of New Mexico. In 2002, after twelve years as District Attorney, Randy resigned to become what he referred to as "a real lawyer." He quickly opened his own practice, Harris Law Firm, where he took pride in defending the community and was quick to brag about his staff and called them some of his best friends. Many of his colleagues, employees, and clients will tell you, when he walked into the court room, he did so with raw knowledge of the law, with just enough wit to leave spectators speechless.
Randy was a firm supporter in the community, donating countless hours of his time to several non-profit organizations. He was willing and proud to serve on many boards, as well as chair and attend annual fund raising events. He played a significant role in the foundation of certain organizations, such as the Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, which is now known as The Hartley House.
As much as Randy loved his community and giving back, his children were always his most prized possession. Ryan Matthew and Lindsay Elizabeth made Randy a proud father from the moment they were born. He was often seen standing at the fence, eating sunflower seeds, cheering Ryan on at the baseball field, or wearing a Dance & Cheer Force shirt that proudly stated "Lindsay's Dad" on the back, where there too, he would be cheering in the stands louder than anyone else. When he was not at sporting events and competitions for his children, Randy enjoyed spending time with his family on the water, boating, fishing, and scuba diving, or at the golf course. He also had a passion for dirt track racing, sky diving, and traveling. His favorite vacation spot was Maui, where he fell in love with Maui hook; so much so, that he got a tattoo of it, which he was proud to show off, any time the opportunity, arose.
Randy will be remembered for his big smile, gracious attitude, respect for others, but most of all, for his generosity. He never met a stranger; he always welcomed others with a smile and firm handshake or a warm hug, and the occasional fist bump. He never hesitated to help whomever he could. He made an impression on everyone he met, and a true impact on those who he was proud to call his family and friends. A close friend describes Randy best by saying, "He is passionate, hard-working, and fiercely loyal, whether he is representing the state, a client, or simply just being a friend. There was not a middle ground with Randy, he poured his heart and soul into it and was not only a force to be reckoned with, but the one person you wanted in your corner."
Survivors include his son, Ryan M. Harris of Clovis, NM; daughter, Lindsay E. Harris of Lubbock, TX; Ronne Mark (Dana) Harris of Clovis, NM; and mother of his children, Traci Harris of Lubbock, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Sue Harris; and brother, Robert Michael Harris.
Service will be held at 12:30 pm Saturday, March 7, 2015, at Living Stones Community Church of the Nazarene with Paul Tankersley officiating. Pallbearers include: Ronne Harris, Ryan Harris, Alan Farkas, Jim Skinner, Michael Kerr, Mike Blakenship, Todd Kutcha, Pio Rubio, and Julian Rubio III. Honorary pallbearers include Randy's many legal colleagues, as well as, the law enforcement and prosecution professionals he has worked with in the Ninth Judicial District and throughout the state of New Mexico.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hartley House, P.O. Box 1732, Clovis, NM 88101, or Oasis Children Advocacy, P.O. Box 1922, Clovis, NM 88101.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home and High Plains Crematory (575)762-4435 www.muffleyfuneralhome.com
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Published in the Clovis News Journal on Mar. 5, 2015
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