Charles Leslie Harris Sr. opened his eyes for the first time on March 17, 1953, the ninth of thirteen children, born to Rober E. Sr and Dorothy B. Harris in Toledo, Ohio. He closed his eyes for the final time to leave the church militant and join the church triumphant on December 5, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Benjamin, Patricia, Mildred, Joseph, Charlene, Robert Jr., Illene (Sue), Sarah and sister-in-law, Judith.
Charles, affectionately known as Chuck, graduated from Libbey High School class of 1971. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the armed forces serving in multiple branches. He served in the US Navy and US Army completing several tours including being stationed in Puerto Rico. He received an honorable discharge.
Chuck was employed by Diamler-Chrysler and Toledo Mold and Dye for many years before retiring due to disability. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching basketball as an avid fan of Dr. J, Shaq and Lebron James and also a football fanatic. Everyone who knew him knew that Sunday afternoons were devoted to football and he was not to be disturbed. Chuck also enjoyed cooking. He was known by his family as the grill master. Every holiday his family could expect to be delighted by the most flavorful ribs and tender pork steaks.
Chuck was reared into a holiness family and grew up at Wabash and Zion Church of God in Christ. He was the living testimony of his mothers’ prayers and the fulfillment of the scripture, “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6). Chuck rededicated his life to the Lord in 2008 and rejoined the church of his birth under the leadership of Bishop Edward T. Cook. He was faithful as an usher, member of the Sunday School department and facilities personnel. He also served passionately in missions and enjoyed helping to run such programs as “Feed My Sheep” and the Wednesday evening family dinner programs. Chuck loved learning the Word of God and was a diligent student in bible study.
Chuck was a proud a family man and leaves to cherish his memory children: Jennifer, Charles Jr., and Joshua; grandchildren, Gabby, Aubri, and Greyson, along with siblings, Michael (Patricia), Martin, Mack (Nicole) and Molly Ann and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and longtime friend Aritha Joyce Coleman.