Dr. Ashby Harris' Obituary
On Saturday, March 2nd, the world lost an adoring husband, a devoted father, a patient grandfather, a loyal friend, a superb doctor, and a brilliant man. Leaving us, Ashby Harris, 79, was surrounded by his family, he was filled with the peace one only gets from having lived a life of true substance and happiness. Ashby married Mary Ann Harkness on September 16, 1972, and they became each other’s strongest ally and partner for 46 years. Through years of studying, struggling, sacrificing, traveling, working to meet family goals – he as a doctor and Mary Ann as a flight attendant for Braniff – they raised two outstanding women before slowing down to play with their remarkable grandchildren who inspired their joy and awe constantly. Through it all, they traveled the world, first with their two daughters and then later with grandkids, teaching two generations the wisdom that can only come with exposure to other cultures and other people. Ashby was born in Dallas, Texas on September 3, 1939, as the youngest of six kids: Russell, Walter, Laura, Elsie, and Eddie. He graduated North Dallas High School in 1957 and The University of Texas Medical School in 1966. He completed his internship at the Medical College of Virginia, his residency at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine and completed his academic and clinical post doctorate fellowship at the University of California, San Diego with a focus in neurology and a specialization in electroencephalography in 1974. Ashby was Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Between those years of rigorous study, Ashby served his country with honor, valor, and courage in the United States Air Force. Captain Harris received a Bronze Star for his exemplary leadership and devotion to duty and the Honorary Aeronautical Rating of General Flight Medical Officer in the US Air Force, for flying more out-of-country combat missions than any other flying physician, even while under hostile fire. That is who Ashby was: a brave, steady, brilliant man who did what was needed and who did what was right. Ashby carried those same traits into his neurology practice, where he was an observant, patient, thoughtful doctor with an intense focus on his patients’ needs. Ashby practiced for more than 25 years, and every patient he helped carries a piece of his legacy with them. Ashby is remembered and loved by the family who celebrate his life and grieve his passing. He is survived by his soulmate Mary Ann, his incredible daughters and their families – Ashley & Coyt Johnston, with Porter and Reagan, and Shannon & Bill McSpadden, with Samantha – and his older brother’s family, Eddie & Sara Harris. But he is remembered and missed by so many more who valued his endless wisdom, his loyalty, steadiness, and his abundant generosity of spirit. The Family of Dr. Harris wishes to keep memorial services private.
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