It is with great sorrow that we share the news that Harry McAdams passed from this world to his eternal rest.  Harry was more than a colleague, friend, and mentor to everyone at Texas Star Alliance; he was family and his presence will be sorely missed. Harry is survived by his Texas Star Alliance family as well as by his children, Michael McAdams of Arlington, Virginia; Curtis McAdams of Austin, Texas; and Lisa McAdams-Collins of Alexandria, Virginia; as well as their spouses, Beth Viola, David Miller, and Michael Collins. He is also survived by his dear friend Mariann Smart, and his brother Billy Hobbs of Austin.

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Harry McAdams was Principal Emeritus at Texas Star Alliance.  His broad experience in the inner workings of the legislative process in both the U.S. Congress and the Texas Legislature was unparalleled. He began his legislative career as a House page in the Texas Legislature at the age of 13 and made public policy his life’s work.

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Harry conquered many battles over his long career.  Recently, he nearly single-handedly wrestled TxDOT in its attempt to turn 83 miles of Texas’ farm-to-market roads to gravel.  With the help of Speaker Joe Straus, Senator Carlos Uresti, Representative Tracy King and Comptroller Glen Hegar, Harry was successful in keeping the integrity of the farm-to-market roads originally championed by his close friend, former Governor Dolph Briscoe.

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Harry would offer advice to his friends at Texas Star Alliance from which car to purchase (when he once went shopping for a car with a Principal, she was amazed that all of the sales staff in each dealership knew Harry) to relationship advice – sometimes unsolicited.

 

Harry was a giant of Texas politics, a loving family man, and the best darn storyteller in the state.  We will miss him, his smile and his advice. Rest in peace, dear friend.