Obituary: Charles Vernon Harris

He was born Sept. 13, 1929, in Miami, Florida, to the late Jesse Roger Harris and Ruby Lee Harris. He was predeceased by Marsha Karen Harris, brothers Robert and Jesse Harris and sister-in-law Mary Helen Harris.

He is survived by wife, Rubye Harris; sons, Michael and Jason; daughter, Debra Lee Johnson and husband, Dennis D. Johnson; and sister, Jewel Robbins. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Celeste Chamberlin, Justin Johnson, Jasmine Jerome, Naomi Jerome, Wayne Graves, Dana Johnson and Rose Jerome; and six great-grandchildren, Justin Spradley, Kyla Chamberlin, Chandler Jerome, Abriana Vicioso, Veronika Cardenas, Keegan Graves and Charisma Johnson; along with many other loving nephews, nieces and many friends. Also, a very special nephew, Tim Harris, who helped Uncle Vernon and Aunt Ruby selflessly in so many ways.

Charles served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force; he served through the Korean War and several conflicts, including the Cuban crisis. His wing was stationed to Key West to monitor all movement on the island of Cub (right in their front yard). He retired at Langley Air Force Base in the spring of 1968 as a Master Sergeant.

He brought his family back to Orlando and went to work for the United States Postal Service. He served in management for 18 years. He retired with wife Rubye to their lake house in Windermere, where he became part of a postal retirement community. He continued to volunteer in helping his new community. His retirement years were spent enjoying his home, family, friends and fishing.

A service was held at 5 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2015, at Dobbs Funeral Home, with Douglas J. Dobbs, moderator, and Tim Harris, eulogist. The service included a welcome and opening remarks; opening song, “I’ll Fly Away;” Scripture, 23rd Psalm; prayer; hymn, “Amazing Grace”; eulogy by Tim Harris; and song, “In the Arms of an Angel.” MacDill Air Force Base Military Honors.