Harris M. Miller

Harris M. Miller, age 85, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Harris was born in New York City on March 15, 1940, to Ruth and Samuel Miller. The oldest of four children, Harris was known for his unwavering love of and commitment to his family and friends. Harris spent his childhood playing hockey, attending camp at Racquet Lake, and body surfing in the Atlantic Ocean. He left New York in 1958 for The University of Oklahoma where he met the love of his life, Linda Lesky. He pledged Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity and became lifelong friends with many of his pledge brothers. Harris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and he and Linda married and moved to Houston where he began his career as an assistant buyer at Foley's Department Store. Harris was ultimately promoted to store manager and retired as vice president after 38 years with the same company. He was ushered out of his retirement party with Frank Sinatra's "My Way", which described him perfectly. Harris lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed the symphony, river rafting, fine dining, good scotch, rare steak, and a cold beer. He adored dogs and always had one wedged at his side in his favorite recliner. He loved sports of all kinds, and his television was often tuned to an Astros, Rockets, Texans, or Sooners game. He followed the weather avidly, often calling his children to report the forecast in their respective cities. He was known for his amazing sense of humor and dry wit. He tried not to laugh at his own jokes but often couldn't help himself. Virtually everyone who knew Harris described him as one of the kindest and most generous men they had ever met. He was one of a kind and larger than life and will be greatly missed. Harris was a member of Congregation Emanu El for 61 years and was active in temple leadership, serving on the Board of Trustees, the Farb Fund, and numerous other committees. He volunteered for the Juvenile Diabetes Association, performing site management for their annual fundraising walks. He also served on the board of Suicide Prevention Hotline. Harris was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Samuel Miller, and siblings, Robert Miller, Steven Miller, and Susan Miller. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Linda Lesky Miller, children, Shelli Miller (Michael Kline), Dr. Jeffrey Miller (Arden Miller), Gary Miller (Dr. Neda Zafaranian), Dr. Julie Miller (Dr. Bruce Mann), and the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Emma, Lili, Morgan, Jake, Henry, Douglas, and Stephanie. The family wishes to give special thanks to his caregivers at Home Instead, Brookdale, and Belmont. Harris's funeral will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in the Kagan-Rudy Cemetery Chapel at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas, 77074. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breakthrough T1D: Type 1 Diabetes (https://www.breakthrought1d.org/) or the Humane Society of Houston (https://www.houstonhumane.org/?form=GeneralDonation).

Harris M. Miller

March 15, 1940 - February 17, 2026