Obituary of Charlie Harris, Jr.

Mr. Charlie Harris Jr. affectionately known as “Sugarman” was a rock and a go-getter for his
family. He had an infectious smile and a zest for life that exemplified why he was able to
embrace all that knew him. Charlie Harris Jr. peacefully departed this life on Sunday, October 2,
2022, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on Sunday, December 4, 1932, in Belzoni
Humphrey County, MS to the late Charlie Harris Sr. and Ida Bell Powell. He was the eldest of
three siblings.

In the fall of 1960, he met the love of his life Inez and united in holy matrimony in July 196l and
to this union celebrated 61 blissful years of marriage. In pursuit to his life journey, he relocated
his family to Kalamazoo, MI in 1971 where he began his career in various construction trades
and was blessed to retire from Austin Construction Company in 1996.

In addition to providing for his family Sugarman had a giving spirit and was blessed with the gift
of being one of Kalamazoo’s best experienced auto Mechanics. On any given day he was sought
out and you would find him repairing cars in many cases with little costs and sometimes as an
in-kind jester. Working on engines and auto parts was his passion, and followed him from his
younger days in the south where he found a sense of joy in teaching his sons the trade. Perhaps
this is why he was given his nickname because through his life’s trade he became a friend and
mentored to so many young men where he gained love, respect and trust from them until his
recent health challenges no longer allowed him to do so. In his past time, he also enjoyed
fishing with his buddy Bill. But his greatest joy of all was spending time with his wife and loving
on his grandchildren.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Harris Sr. and Ida Bell Powell. Sons Bobby
Harris, Willie Harris and Benjamin Roland. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Inez Harris,
daughter Mary Harris, sons Jonnie Harris Sr., Anthony Harris, Jerry (Sheila) Harris all of
Kalamazoo, MI. Sons Charlie Harris III, James (Pamela) Harris of Indianapolis, IN. Shirley Jones,
Eugene (Ann) Morris, William (Pamela) Roland, Diane Sterling all of Kalamazoo, MI and Sarah
Lee France of Yazoo, MS. Also, his precious “gems” grandchildren, greats, and great greats. A
host of nieces, nephews, along with special friends, James Sterling and Elijah Alexander. A
fatherly bond with Neil Gunn.