Harry E. McAdams

Harry E. McAdams grew up poor in East Austin, the son of a Christian mission preacher who painted houses to make ends meet. McAdams started work at the Texas Capitol as a page when he was 14 and was still working at the Capitol as an advisor to corporations and individuals until just before he died of cancer Sunday (5/27/18) at age 87.   As a young man, McAdams moved to the Washington, DC, area, to work in professional staff positions at the U.S. Congress. While in Washington he met and married Anna Dora Fogle. They raised three children: Michael, Curtis and Lisa. Harry and Anna were married for 51 years, until he lost his bride to cancer in 2006.   McAdams was a longtime close friend and advisor to former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe, who appointed him as director of Texas state/federal relations after his early retirement after 26 years on Capitol Hill. While in Washington, McAdams also operated side businesses including a car wash near Washington Reagan National Airport.   He had a lifelong fascination with cars, and for a time imported and sold luxury European automobiles. Until the end of his life he loved locating and negotiating the purchase of the perfect vehicles for friends and family.   McAdams returned to Texas in the late 1980s, when he and Ann built their dream ranch home on land purchased several years earlier in Lampasas County, on the edge of Texas Hill Country.   After returning to Texas, he operated Business Government Associates and was a Principal Emeritus of the Texas Star Alliance. He was a highly respected advisor to some of the most successful corporations and individuals in the nation, and continued to represent Briscoe family interests until his death.   Earlier in his career, McAdams served as the governor’s voting representative on the Southwest Border Regional Commission, working with the governors of New Mexico, Arizona and California in distributing millions of dollars annually to qualifying land-grant colleges. The governor designated him to serve on a coastal planning commission which addressed land use planning policy and related matters affecting the Texas Gulf coast in cooperation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. Harry was designated as staff advisor to the governor on the National Governors Association, the Democratic Governors Association and the Southern Governors Conference. He served as a member of the Interstate Oil Compact Commission.   Among Harry’s most challenging lobbying assignments was his role as a member of the lead team representing the old AT&T in the six-year telecommunications fight which ultimately allowed local service companies into long distance. He then served as an advisor to SBC (the new AT&T) in satisfying the numerous steps required for FCC approval.   He particularly enjoyed serving a large group of Texas cattlemen in defeating a bill in the Texas Legislature sought by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cattlemen felt the bill encroached on the private property rights because it allowed inspectors at will to inspect cattle for Brucellosis disease. Recent challenges involve representing owners of the underground water rights in the Edwards Aquifer.   McAdams served as an enlisted sailor in the U.S. Navy, and while working for Congress received a direct commission as a major from the Secretary of the Air Force. He served for 15 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.   Harry graduated from The American University in Washington, DC, with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, but always viewed work and life challenges as continuing education. He placed a high value on community and civility in his life and career, and was regarded as a mentor, advisor and friend to hundreds of people of all walks of life.   He was preceded in death by his father, Curtis Kendoll McAdams, mother, Maude Lax McAdams, and brother Leo McAdams, as well as his wife Ann.   He is survived 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. Funeral services were scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, May 31, at the Sneed Funeral Chapel, Third and Chestnut Street, Lampasas, Texas, 76550. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the University Transplant Center or the Mays Cancer Center, both at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio.