Obituary of Charles Harris

Charles Edward Harris, 63, passed from this world into eternal life on his birthday, Friday, February 8, 2008 at 7:43pm. Charlie as his friends called him had been in declining health for the past five years. For the past week he had been under the care of his loving family and Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe. Charlie was born on February 8, 1945 in Monroe the son of the late Jessie Lee and Bonnie Irene (Turner) Harris. He graduated from Ida High School in 1962. On August 2, 1963 Charlie married the former Frankie McBee in Monroe. Charlie valued hard work and took providing for his family very seriously. He was employed by Firestone Tire for 16 years. Following the Firestone plant closing he took employment with Ford Motor Company at their Monroe Plant. Charlie worked as an Electrician for 25 years before retiring in 2002. Charlie attended the Ritz College in Dearborn for his electrical trade education. For many years Charlie attended the North Monroe Street Church of God Mountain Assembly. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite, and also a member of the Shriners. He enjoyed hunting; especially deer, grouse, and squirrel. Charlie was also fond of auto racing. He enjoyed NASCAR, and dirt track racing visiting Daytona Beach, Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways with his family. Charlie leaves to cherish his memory a wife of 44 years, Frankie of Monroe; a son Rodney Harris of Monroe; two daughters: Robin and Bryan Opfermann of Ida and Rhonda and Robert Davis of Harrison; five grandchildren: Michael and Sarah Opfermann, Kyle Davis, Jacob Foley, and Corey Davis; and a sister-in-law: Alice Faye Harris of Monroe. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Hobert Lee Harris. Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to gather from 6:00pm until a Celebration of his Life at 7:00pm, Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at the North Monroe Street Church of God. Merkle Funeral Service, (734) 384-5185, has been entrusted with his arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be sent to the North Monroe Street Church of God, 2393 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162. For those desiring, online condolences can be made by visiting the Merkle website at www.merklefuneralservice.com and selecting the obituaries page.