St. George, Utah- Charles Alex Harris, age 86, passed away at home peacefully surrounded by family on November 9, 2022, due to cancer (glioblastoma).
Charles was born on October 1, 1936, in Madisonville, Tennessee to William Alex and Nellie Olena Henry Harris. He was preceded in birth by two older sisters, and two younger sisters followed shortly after. He grew up roaming the wood around his home with his cousins which instilled a lifelong love of the great outdoors. Working with his Dad and Grandpa from a young age instilled many admirable qualities including a sense of humor, patience, and a strong work ethic. Growing up on a farm and in nature, he worked alongside and cared deeply for all creatures.
Charles enlisted in the Air Force at age 18, which had been a lifelong dream. He was stationed internationally many times and served honorably in Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force 20 years later and was last stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. He served as Military Police and Safety Officer during his career. During his time in the military, he married Doris Collier and they had one lovely daughter, Kathy. They later divorced.
When he retired from the air force, he began his next career with the City of Las Vegas, Nevada as a business license investigator. While working in the city, he met the Love of his life, Patti Ann Cuff. They were married on August 18, 1984, in Las Vegas and were blessed with two children. After retiring from the City they moved to St. George, Utah to raise their family. He enjoyed owning and riding horses, fishing, deer hunting, and supporting his family in all their endeavors.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a special place in
his heart for the sister missionaries that served in the St. George Mission.
He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and three of his sisters (Edna, Lorraine, and Marie). He is survived by his wife Patti Harris, his children Kathy Lopez (Manny) of Arizona, Alex Harris (Brittani Lusk) Eagle Mt Utah, and Megan Harris Phelps (Kory) St George, Utah. He is also survived by his grandchildren Nick Lopez, Chris Lopez, Caitlyn Harris, Autumn Harris, and his great-grandchild Reuben Lopez. His sister Martha Rhinehart, brother/sister-in-law Mike Cuff (Jennifer) in New Mexico, and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Codiga, Dr. Rebecca Hughes, Dr. Bate, Dr. Te, Dr. Hansen and Canyon Home care and Hospice (Lilly, Ruben, Jan, and Carli). They all provided exceptional care for Chuck throughout his diagnosis and treatment.
Friends and family may call Monday, November 14th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St George, Utah. Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 15th at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 200 W Brigham Rd, Bloomington, St George with a viewing from 9:30-10:45 am at the same building. Interment will be in the Santa Clara Cemetery with full Military Honors.
Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to view the funeral service online by clicking on the link below.
https://zoom.us/j/97662216067
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to leave a memory on Chuck’s obituary page at
www.spilsburymortuary.com