Charles Edward Harris, 93, of Memphis died Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
He was born on December 21, 1921, in Luray, Missouri, to Grace McCabe and Roy Glascock Harris. He moved to Memphis in 1931, and graduated from Memphis High School in 1938. He attended Central Methodist College, and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1942.
He was united in marriage to the former Nancy Leslie at her home on June 3, 1944. She survives.
Charles was a naval aviator during World War II, serving in the Pacific. Following the war, Charles returned to Memphis to join his father in the automobile business. He ran a dealership and managed the family farm.
Charles was an active member of the community. He was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church. He participated in the Community Theatre for many years. He worked with the Boy Scouts, helped organize and build the golf course, and served on the school board. Charles was a charter member of the VFW, and celebrated Memorial Day by leading the Pledge of Allegiance annually for over sixty years. He was a sports fan, and played basketball, softball, tennis, and golf with friends and family. He and Nancy enjoyed traveling and spending time with their children and their families.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ruth Eileen Myers and her husband Roy Thomas III; and an infant grandson, Andrew Scott Miller.
He is survived by his wife; five children, Leslie Ruth Gant (Reen) of Montgomery City, MO, Charles Edward (Chipper) Harris, Jr. (Louise) of Memphis, Nancy Elizabeth (Betsy) Miller (Ron) of Lake St. Louis, MO, Richard Geoffrey Harris of Howell, MI, and Sally Ann Dwyer (Dan) of St. Louis, MO; twelve grandchildren, Carolanne Kneznekoff (Michael) of St. Louis, MO, Dexter Charles Payne (Olena) of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, David Neal Payne (Kari) of Tampa, FL, Andrew Zachary Gant of DeLand, FL, Christopher Charles Harris (Holly) of Memphis, Andrea Danielle Hunt (Chris) of Memphis, Nathan Edward Miller (Laurie) of Houston, TX, Leslie Ann Westbrook (David) of Imperial, MO, Rebecca Lea Baugh (David) of St. Charles, MO, Rosemary Williams (James) of Olathe, KS, Anna Katherine Moritz (Brandon) of St. Louis, MO, and Nicholas Daniel Dwyer of Chicago, IL; twenty great grandchildren, Sophie, Adam, and Leah Kneznekoff, Max, Leslie, and Wolfie Payne, Grace and Anne Payne, Trever, Hilary, and Olivia Harris, Lydia Hunt, Cullen, Ashlyn, and Breelyn Miller, Austin and Kylie Westbrook, Avery Baugh, and Brooke and Graham Moritz; and one sister-in-law, Mary Louise Brown, of Carbondale, IL.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, December 14 at the First Presbyterian Church in Memphis with Pam Glascow officiating. Burial, with military rites, will be in the Memphis Cemetery.
Visitation is from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, December 13 at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church.or the physical therapy department at Scotland County Care Center.
6 comments
My sympathy and prayers go to the entire Harris family. Charles and Nancy were great member of our community and Charles will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My deepest sympathy to the Harris family. My prayers are with you. May God give you the strength you need at this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to the Harris family. May God give you the strength you needd at this difficult time..
Nancy, we missed you both at the SCCC hymn sing last night. We enjoyed our visit the last time Arbela UMC hosted the service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in adjusting to your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to you all!~
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