Charles E. Harris

Sumter, SC .......... Charles E. Harris ,90, widower of Rosetta Harris, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at 4:56pm surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Wedowee, Alabama, May 11th, 1935. He received his formal education in the Randolph County school system and attended Tuskegee Institute and Alabama A&M. Charles lived a life marked by unwavering faith, dedicated service, and deep commitment to his family and community.

Charles proudly served 27 years in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant and earning the respect of his peers for his leadership, integrity, and sense of duty. After retiring from military service, Charles continued to serve his community Sumter, South Carolina by working for the local school district. He spent several years as the head custodian at Oakland Elementary School before becoming the beloved crossing guard, where his warm smile and protective presence greeted generations of students.

At an early age he accepted Christ, then was baptized and joined the Antioch Baptist Church in Wedowee, Alabama. In 1978 he joined the Hopewell Baptist Church in Dazell, South Carolina. Charles served diligently in the deacon’s ministry of Hopewell Baptist Church for some 40 years and as chairman for several years.  He also served as Sunday school superintendent and a member of the senior choir. Later he united with New Fellowship Baptist Church, where he offered guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support to his church family. His service extended beyond the church doors as a leader in the 7th Masonic District, where he worked tirelessly to uphold the values of brotherhood, charity, and community service.  Charles was a man with strength, deep conviction, wisdom, and endless kindness. His presence lit up a room, and his example of compassion and commitment will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Vester Harris and Ruth T. Harris, brothers: Vester Jr., Jesse, and Eugene, sisters: Beatrice Jackson, Maggie Green and Bernice Wright and one grandson Daniel Lizardi.

He leaves behind a loving family. One son Charles [Ayanna] three grandchildren: Gabriel, Ian and Anesha. Two great grandchildren, a sister Eugenia Gantt, and brother James [Lula] along with countless friends, and a community made better by his life and service. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.

Rest in peace, Daddy. Your work here is done, and your memory will live on in each of us.

Masonic Rites will be given on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 6:00 pm in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Bethesda Church of God.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm at Bethesda Church of God.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles E. Harris, please visit our floral store.