In Dallas County, the first same-sex marriage license was issued to Jack Evans and George Harris, who have been together for more than 50 years.
Jack Evans and George Harris first met at a party in Dallas in 1961.
They lived together and they sold residential real estate together.
George is 82; Jack is 85.
On Friday morning, they showed up to the Records Building in downtown Dallas wearing dark jackets and burgundy-colored ties.
'Love is everywhere'
“I’m excited to see so many people down here. Love is everywhere, and that’s a great thing," George said.
George was on the sixth floor, which was packed with couples waiting for marriage licenses, onlookers and media.
“We’d never thought we’d see the day. We’re very excited and we’ve waited a long time for it," George said.
Then it was time for the ceremony. Dozens packed the courtroom.
Jack and George: Spouses for life
Judge Dennise Garcia, a friend of theirs from church, asked if she could call them Jack and George.
"George, will you have Jack to be your lawful wedded husband?" she asked. "Will you love, honor and comfort him until death do you part?"
George responded: "I do and I will."
The judge told them that marriage is solemn – an occasion to be entered into seriously. She told them to prepare to pledge their love, faith, and fidelity.
There was loud, boisterous applause from the crowd.
Then the judge pronounced that they were married -- spouses for life.
This couple in their 80s just arrived to the Records Bldg in #Dallas. They're here 2 get a marriage license. #Scotus pic.twitter.com/6syxFucght
— Stella M. Chávez (@stellamchavez) June 26, 2015
#Dallas couple in their 80s answering ques & getting 1st marriage license since #SCOTUSMarriage ruling. @keranews pic.twitter.com/KCOzk6WxqY
— Stella M. Chávez (@stellamchavez) June 26, 2015
Couple is joking -- "Best $90 we ever spent." #SCOTUSMarriage #marriagelicense #dallas @keranews
— Stella M. Chávez (@stellamchavez) June 26, 2015
Jack Evans & George Harris, who are in their 80s & have been together nearly 55 yrs become first #Dallas gay couple to get married since #ScotusMarriage ruling. cc: @keranews A photo posted by Stella M. Chávez (@stellamchavez) on Jun 26, 2015 at 10:13am PDT
Learn more about George and Jack
From the United Methodist Church:
Evans grew up in Olney, Texas, attending a Presbyterian Church. Harris is from Flora, Miss., where his parents helped start a Methodist church. "We were there every time the doors opened,” he recalled. Evans and Harris said they met in 1961 at a party thrown by an antiques dealer whose clients included Betty Criswell, wife of the Rev. W.A. Criswell, who for decades led the First Baptist Church of Dallas with fiery, fundamentalist preaching. Along with living together for more than a half century, Evans and Harris were longtime partners in selling real estate. “We worked together and lived together for 38 years,” Harris said. “You may imagine that that has its own challenges.”
