Lubbock Christian University mourns the passing of Jerry Harris, who served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for two decades and whose faithful leadership helped shape the university’s growth and mission. Mr. Harris passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Lamesa.
Jerry Harris began his service on the LCU Board of Trustees in 1989 and served as board chair from 1998 to 2018. Over those twenty years, his leadership was marked by wisdom, humility, and a deep commitment to the university’s mission of changing lives through Christ-centered education. A 2019 resolution from the Board of Trustees highlighted Jerry’s lasting impact, noting that he served during a period of transformative growth for the university in enrollment, campus development, financial strength, and reputation. Known as a trustworthy confidante and advisor to three LCU presidents, Jerry advanced the university’s mission with grace and wisdom.
Prayer was central to Jerry’s leadership, and he led the Board to rely heavily on God’s guidance through consistent prayer at meetings. His steady hand was vital during pivotal moments in LCU’s history, including presidential searches and critical land negotiations such as the sale of the Hancock Land Application and Water Facility to the City of Lubbock, which significantly strengthened the university’s endowment and financial future.
Professionally, Jerry’s life revolved around agriculture. As owner of King Mesa Cotton Gin and a cotton farmer in Lamesa, Texas, he was a nationally respected figure in cotton ginning and farming. His King Mesa Gin set industry standards by pioneering cutting-edge technologies such as DNA tagging to ensure cotton authenticity and quality. Jerry’s expertise and counsel were highly sought by agricultural leaders and elected officials alike, making him a major figure on the national cotton industry landscape.
Jerry’s commitment to LCU extended deeply into his family life. Alongside his wife Nelda, he invested generously in the university, supporting student scholarships and priorities. Their daughter Renee Furr (’89) is an alumna, and their grandchildren Blaze Taylor (’12), Kenedy Furr (’21), Kamryn Furr Schexnayder (’21), and Hanna Harris (’19) are all alumni of the university, further cementing the family’s longstanding relationship with LCU.
Reflections from LCU presidents who served under Jerry’s leadership capture his remarkable character and impact. Dr. L. Ken Jones, president from 1993 to 2012, remembered Jerry’s humility, faith, and servant-hearted leadership:
“Jerry’s greatest strengths were his humility, faith, and willingness to serve as many as possible. God blesses those types of leaders and those they lead. Thus, God has wonderfully blessed LCU because of the leadership of Jerry Harris. He was truly one of the finest men I have ever known. He always made things about others more than himself.”
Tim Perrin, president from 2012 to 2019, spoke of Jerry’s extraordinary devotion and servant leadership:
“I was privileged to serve as president for more than six years under Jerry and to witness up close his extraordinary devotion to Lubbock Christian University and his consistent Christ-centered servant leadership. Jerry often repeated the John Maxwell quote that everything rises and falls with leadership and LCU was lifted up because of his remarkable and transformative servant leadership of the university. He believed in the power of prayer and LCU board meetings consisted of one prayer after another offered on behalf of the university and all those who were a part of the LCU family. He led in ways that mattered though they were often unseen. Lubbock Christian University is better because of his Christ-centered leadership of the board of trustees!”
Current LCU President Scott McDowell added:
“Jerry Harris is one of those rare individuals who genuinely cast a long shadow. While he faithfully served on Lubbock Christian University’s board of trustees for 33 years—20 of which he was board chair—his service and influence went well beyond this institution. At his heart, Jerry was dedicated to the cause of Christ and particularly loved Christ-centered higher education. He was crystal clear that our goal at Lubbock Christian was to ‘change students’ lives for the better.’ He once stated, ‘I pray every day and ask God that He’ll help us to recruit and train students to go out into the world and be victorious.’ Jerry was particularly kind and gracious to me and I will miss him.”
Jerry Harris was the embodiment of servant leadership. His dedication to LCU, the agricultural community, and his family demonstrated a life built on faith, integrity, and generous service. His legacy is one of transformative impact, steadfast prayer, and visionary stewardship.
The LCU community extends its deepest condolences and prayers to Nelda Harris, their children, grandchildren, and all who loved Jerry. His faithful service and lasting influence will be remembered and cherished for years to come.