Charles Harris

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Charles Lee Harris, 80, of Poplar Bluff was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family and friends.

Mr. Harris, the son of the late C.P. and Louise Harris, was born March 19, 1936, in Illmo.

He graduated from Illmo-Scott City High School and earned degrees from Southeast Missouri State University and Murray State University. Charles also served in the military in the Army Security Agency at Ayer, Massachusetts, as well as serving in Japan. Mr. Harris was a teacher and involved in education for 30 years. He enjoyed refereeing football, basketball and baseball, working in his yard, and was a Mizzou football and Cardinals baseball fan.

Mr. Harris refereed football, basketball and baseball for over 30 years. He also enjoyed mentoring young men who were interested in becoming sports officials. After finally hanging up his whistle and ball/strike counter, he loved keeping in touch with everyone he met in the sports arena and watching his grandsons play football and basketball.

Charles was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, was chairman of deacons, served on committees, and involved in numerous other service positions.

On Dec. 21, 1958, Charles married Carolyn Burch of Fulton, Mississippi. She survives of the home. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Other survivors include two children, Suzanne Harris Collier and husband Russ Collier of Dexter, Missouri, and Chris Harris and wife Alisa Cook Harris of Fort Worth, Texas; one sister, Elizabeth Harris Shawan of Poplar Bluff; and two grandchildren, Garrison Collier and Ryan Collier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary Lou Hartsoe; and two brothers, Bill Harris and Bob Harris.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the church, with Dr. William Vail and pastor Brandon Spain officiating. Burial will be at the city cemetery.

Donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff "Now and Forever" Fund, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.

Cotrell Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.