George Preston Harris, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, friend, successful retail merchant, entrepreneur, pilot, and true Texas gentleman, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, at the age of 90. A longtime resident of Lytle, Texas, George was born on August 6, 1936, to George Leslie Harris and Mamie Lou Harris, and was the youngest of their three children.
George is survived by his daughter, Jolinda Harris and her partner, John McEntyre; his son, George Scott Harris and his partner, Jess Sanders; his grandson, Waco Richards and his wife Julie Richards; his granddaughter, Tyler Dougherty and her husband Clayton Dougherty; his grandson, Jace Harris; his granddaughter, Jocelyn Harris; and his great-grandchildren, Kendall Slattery, Rocker Dougherty, Weslynn Dougherty, and Cooper Harris.
George was raised in a family where hard work was not simply taught—it was lived. His father was a saddle maker and a skilled craftsman in the repair of boots and shoes. George learned the trade from his father, although he would jokingly say he learned it “under protest.” Those early years became the foundation for a remarkable life built upon craftsmanship, determination, honesty, and an unwavering work ethic.
Determined to earn his way through college, George worked as a roustabout in the oilfields. He attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville and later Southwest State Teachers College before answering the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War and served from 1953 through 1961, including active duty through 1958. His military years gave him the opportunity to travel and experience much of the world, experiences that would remain an important part of his life.
Upon returning home, George expected to continue his education. Instead, circumstances called him back to the family saddle shop, where his father needed his help. At only 24 years of age, following his father’s death, George took over the family business and embarked on a journey that would transform a small saddle shop into a thriving South Texas retail enterprise.
George entered the retail business at a level that many would have been afraid to attempt. With a loan from a local banker who believed in him, he purchased an existing building and began his retail business with just five pairs of boots. He sold those boots and used the proceeds to purchase more. In 1961, he purchased the old Masonic Lodge building next door for storage, allowing the business to expand its inventory and services.
Through years of hard work, determination, honesty, and genuine relationships with his customers, George built a loyal clientele and a growing enterprise. By January 1972, his inventory had grown to approximately 1,000 pairs of boots. He constructed a new building on IH-35 and moved the entire operation into what became Harris Western Center where he sold a full line of western wear.
In the years that followed, George expanded his western wear business to seven locations throughout South Texas, including stores in Pearsall, Uvalde, Floresville, Boerne, and two locations in San Antonio.
George believed that success was not a matter of asking, “How can I afford it?” but rather, “Be resourceful and find a way to get it done.” He believed in giving his word and keeping it. He understood that difficulties were simply roadblocks to be worked around, and he accepted responsibility for his own success. His philosophy was straightforward: work hard, be honest, be trustworthy, persevere, and believe in yourself.
He also believed deeply in his employees and was devoted to their success because they were the “face of the business.”
George wanted every customer to feel welcome and eager to return. When asked about his secret for success he once said, “It’s simple. Find out what your customers want and then find a way to give it to them.”. For George, one of the most fulfilling aspects of his life’s work was simply “pleasing people.”
His entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond his retail stores. George established EZ Pull Trailers, a retail trailer sales business, Rodeo Air, a small aircraft business, and he developed mobile home communities in Lytle and Poteet, continuing his tradition of creating businesses that served the communities around him.
But as successful as George was in business, his family was the true light of his life.
He married Marylou Irvin, and together they built a family of which George was immensely proud. His children were not only his children, but also his partners in life and business. Jolinda and Scott worked alongside their father from their high school years, and George credited their dedication and hard work as essential to the success of the family businesses.
George was blessed with four grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy and four great-grandchildren who were a particular source of pride and happiness.
Outside of his family and business, George devoted countless hours to organizations and causes that mattered deeply to him.
A longtime volunteer with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, George began volunteering in the 1970s. He enjoyed participating in the Palomino Patrol, riding alongside Jolinda for several years. His service and leadership in this organization grew as he served seven years as Chairman of the Special Days Committee, two years as Vice President, and two years as President in 1987 and 1988. He remained a Director Emeritus until his death.
George was also a major force in the Miss Rodeo Texas organization. Beginning as a volunteer, he eventually served as President for many years and later as Chairman of the Board. His dedication helped strengthen an organization he cared about deeply.
He was a member of the Western English Retailers of America and served as its president for a time. Through his business, civic, and organizational involvement, George formed friendships and relationships that lasted throughout his life.
In his community of Lytle, George also served as a city councilman, giving his time and experience in service to the community he called home. In addition, George served as a Deputy Sheriff for Atascosa County from 1960 to 1965.
And then there was flying! George’s favorite hobby was flying his airplanes. A single-engine and multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot, he found freedom and enjoyment in the skies. Flying reflected something fundamental about George: his curiosity, independence, confidence, and willingness to chart his own course.
Throughout his life, George taught those around him not only through his words, but through the example of the life he lived. He encouraged others to find what they wanted to do and figure out how to do it; work around the roadblocks and pitfalls; persevere; and, most importantly, believe in themselves. He encouraged everyone around him to grow and thrive.
George Preston Harris was a classic Texas gentleman. He was a businessman who started with five pairs of boots and built an enterprise through determination. He was an entrepreneur who saw possibilities where others saw obstacles. He was a pilot who loved the freedom of the skies. He was a community leader, a mentor, a friend, and a man whose word could be trusted. But above all, he was a family man who took enormous pride in the people he loved.
His legacy will live on not only in the businesses he built and the organizations he served, but in the values he passed down: work hard, keep your word, treat people well, find a way, persevere, and believe in yourself.
George’s life was long, full, productive, and generously shared with others. He spent 90 years building, serving, leading, inspiring others, and loving his family.
One of George’s familiar closing lines was “Happy Trails.”
And so, with heavy hearts but profound gratitude for a life so well lived, his family and friends bid him farewell.
Happy trails, George.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall, 15825 Bexar St., La Coste, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to: Shriners Hospitals for Children Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or online at: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/honor
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville, Texas. www.tondre-guinn.com
George Preston Harris
