Robert Blake Harris

Robert Blake Harris passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, in Grapevine, Texas. He was born August 16, 1964, in Valdosta, Georgia, to Robert D. Harris and Barbara Rich Harris. Blake graduated from Texas A&M University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and returned to his hometown of Mansfield, Texas, where he became a high school biology teacher for eight years. His love of science was evident in the classroom, where he encouraged and inspired his students to work hard, believe in themselves, and follow their dreams. Blake found his true professional passion in ophthalmology clinical research. Throughout his career, he was highly regarded for his leadership in conducting clinical trials and managing global clinical operations for major eye care companies, including Alcon Laboratories, as Assoc. Director, Global Clinical Development. He finished his career with Lenstec, Inc., St Petersburg, Florida, where he served as Director of Clinical Research for 14 years. He managed the FDA clinical trials for the ClearView™ 3 multifocal intraocular lens and later underwent successful implantation of the lens himself. Blake’s greatest joy in life was being a dad. He supported his children’s dreams, coached their teams, and was endlessly proud of them. He had a strong faith in God and His plan for our lives, and he shared that faith with his family. He loved having deep, meaningful conversations that challenged those around him to think, grow, and deepen their faith. Blake also loved music – especially Bruce Springsteen – and never missed an Aggie football game. These passions and traditions live on through his children. After a nine-year long-distance relationship, Blake happily moved back home in June to marry his partner, Sharon, and be closer to his family, before his sudden passing. He is survived by his loving fiancée, Sharon P. Higbee, and her daughter, Peyton; his daughter, Carly (Cody) Skinner, and grandchildren, Gunner, Pacey, Titus, and Hadley; his sons, Dylan Harris and Collin Harris, and their mother, Christy Thomas; his mother, Barbara Harris; and his siblings, Tamara Harris, Tonya (Jeff) Mouat, and Gabby Harris. He is also survived by his nieces, Courtney (Boedvar) Boedvarsson and her children, Patrik, Anika, and Katla; Timberley Mouat; and Haley Mouat; and his nephew, Michael Harris. Blake was preceded in death by his father, Robert D. Harris. A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with words of remembrance by Troy Gardner and Dalton Thibodeaux. If desired, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.

Robert Blake Harris

August 16, 1964 - August 3, 2026