Charles "Tex" Harrison

Known during his playing days as one of the quickest Harlem Globetrotters, Charles "Tex" Harrison was an outstanding dribbler and rebounder during his 18 years as a player for the team. He became a Globetrotter coach and advisor following his playing days and traveled to more than 100 countries with the Globetrotters. During his career, Tex had tea with Queen Elizabeth, caviar with Nikita Khrushchev, and an audience with three Popes. Tex received his "Legends" Ring on Jan. 26, 1996, in Houston.

Born in Gary, Ind., Tex was discovered in 1954, when he faced the Globetrotters as a member of the College All-American team during the World Series of Basketball. He did everything from playing alongside the immortal Wilt Chamberlin, to joining several Globetrotter teammates on the "Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine," a 1972 television variety series where players sang, danced and performed comedy sketches.

Tex was the first player from a historically African-American college to capture All-American honors while at North Carolina Central University in Durham, where he earned his degree in physical education. Tex received his nickname in college by being a very recognizable 6-3 Texan attending school in North Carolina.

"Aside from my family, being a Harlem Globetrotter has been the greatest highlight of my life," Tex once said. "I have had the good fortune to be a part of the most celebrated sports team in history."
Tex passed on Nov. 20, 2014, in Houston, at the age of 81.