Belton: Longtime defense lawyer dies suddenly

Long-tenured Bell County criminal defense attorney Robert O. “Bucky” Harris died early Thursday morning at his home.

Harris, who for several years had suffered lingering health issues because of wounds he received in Vietnam, died very early Thursday at his home from what evidently was a heart attack.

Harris, a second-generation lawyer, was a graduate of Killeen High School and earned his law degree at Baylor University.

His father, Robert Harris, was one of the first lawyers to have an office in Killeen.

Harris focused his efforts as a criminal defense trial lawyer and had a reputation as an aggressive advocate for his clients.

Harris was associated with the Cornish Law Firm where he continued to focus on criminal defense while maintaining the ability to work closely with members of the Cornish Law Firm to assist clients with their civil and family law matters.

Funeral arrangements were pending Thursday.