Gamal Harris

Gamal Harris, a dedicated husband, loving father, caring friend and brilliant physician, passed away August 4 after a valiant battle with liver disease and PML. He lived his life in selfless service of others, giving of his time, attention and energy without reservation. His smile was larger than life, and it lit up a room.  He had the unique gift of making everyone he encountered feel heard, valued and special and he was genuinely interested in the lives and experiences of those he met. Gamal worked for many years as an Internal Medicine physician in Nashville, and he had a special relationship with his patients. He knew their stories, heard their struggles, cheered their successes and he cared for them well.  All who knew Gamal were better for it.

Gamal was born on December 10, 1955 in Cairo, Egypt and immigrated to Nashville, Tennessee in 1984. His family was his greatest joy, and he radiated love and pride when he spoke of them. He is survived by Jill Williams Harris, his wife of 35 years, and their children Grace Elizabeth Amina Harris and Adam Gamal Harris. He is also survived by his sister, Soad Latif of Corpus Christi, Texas, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Jill, Grace and Adam would like to offer special thanks to the nurses and staff at Vanderbilt 6MCE and the Alive Hospice Residence who cared for Gamal well and who walked beside us on this journey. We also humbly thank the friends, family, patients and co-workers who have surrounded us with so much kindness over the last few months. The generosity, support and love we have been shown is evidence of Gamal’s beautiful spirit and the impact his love has had on so many lives. We will spend the rest of our days trying to honor the legacy of selflessness, kindness and generosity he exemplified.