Charles Edward Harris

Charles Edward Harris, long time Eufaula resident, passed from this life on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Charles was born to Elmer Cleo and Pearl Morgan Harris on December 17, 1943. He was one of seven brothers and four sisters raised on the family farm east of Eufaula. Charles graduated from Eufaula High School in 1961, where he lettered in every sport and was president of the FFA chapter. While at EHS, Charles was an avid boxer with over 200 fights under his belt, winning most of those decisively.

Charles continued his education and played football at Connors State College, graduating there before moving on to Oklahoma State University.

At the height of the Vietnam War, and with one semester of college left, Charles joined the Navy in 1966. Charles received consistently superior reviews by his commanding officers while serving on the bridge of the USS Seminole, where he was a petty officer and helmsman, as well as a trainer for younger men on the ship during many trips across the Pacific. He was highly encouraged by his superiors to make the Navy his career as an officer, but he chose to come back home to finish his Bachelors Degree in Animal Sciences at OSU in 1970. The Navy awarded him the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal, as well as several campaign ribbons, for successfully helming the Seminole those four years.

After completing his degree, Charles began farming with his father, using his skills and incredible work ethic there as well. After his parents' passing, Charles went to work at Ft. Howard Paper Company in Muskogee (now Georgia Pacific) where he worked for over 25 years.

Charles was preceded in death by Leo, Cleo, Dan, Joe, Darrell, and an infant brother Harris, along with his sisters Thelma Harris Watkins and Mary Harris Smith. He is survived by two sisters, Linda Harris Mansur and Judy Harris. His family legacy also includes many much beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

Also, counted as a dear brother for their life long, joyful friendship since first grade, is Gary Moores of Eufaula. Many friends and loved ones will miss Charles greatly as he was an incredible inspiration and steadfast support for all he encountered.