Charles E. Harris was the first of three sons born to Simeon Harris and Rosalie Alleyne-Harris on September 1 1925. He attended Beulah Church of the Nazarene for all of his childhood. He attended PS 109 (Straus Junior High School) and moved on to East New York Vocational High School. From there he attended Brooklyn Polytechnical Institute.

While attending Brooklyn Polytech Mr. Harris worked at Rogers a fluorescent lighting store on 8th Avenue between W. 28th and W. 29th Streets in lower Manhattan doing odd jobs. He worked there for five years. He then went to work at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He specifically worked on The Wasp & The Hornet. While at the Navy Yard he took an aptitude test and qualified to become a journeyman.

Mr. Harris next set his sights on becoming a reservist in the National Guard. While there he earned several commendations and attained the rank of Master Sergeant in the 715th Field Artillery Battalion out of Brooklyn New York. One of his Sergeants took note of his curiosity and eagerness to work and sent him to a cousin that was a member of Union Local 3 of the I.B.E.W. (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). After that meeting with the Sergeant's cousin Mr. Harris was sent to work for Busch Brothers in Englewood New Jersey where he worked as an electrician for the next 36 years.

It was during his time at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Mr. Harris met Edna Ruby Nowell. The year was 1953 and they have been together ever since. As time went on they planned for their retirement and moved to Palm Coast Florida in 1989 where Mr. Harris served as treasurer of the Democratic Club for 10 years.

Mr. Harris was predeceased by his father Simeon Harris; his mother Rosalie Alleyne-Harris; and his brother Gary Harris. He is survived by his wife Ruby; his daughter Coral Harris (also known as Bernie); his son Sidney Nowell (Sharon); his brother Velson Harris; three nephews Ed Harris Velson Harris Jr. and Michael Harris; stepmother Carrie Harris; grandson Jason D. Spann; several cousins and a host of friends.

Services for Mr. Harris will be Sunday January 10 2010 at Lohman's Funeral Home in Palm Coast Florida with the viewing from 1:00 to 3:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 pm. Mr. Harris will have a family service also in Brooklyn New York on Wednesday January 13 2010 at the House of Hills funeral home (viewing 11:00 am and service at 12 noon) with burial in Evergreens Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Mr. Harris Hospice of Volusia/Flagler 3800 Woodbriar Trail Port Orange Fl 32127 .