Charles Gorman Harris, 83, of Quitman, Texas, passed away peacefully in Tyler, Texas, on April 18, 2026. Charles was born on January 16, 1943, in Quitman to John Gorman Harris and Della Hicks Harris.

Charles grew up in Quitman and graduated with the Class of 1962 from Quitman High School. Not long after, in a moment that perfectly reflected his character, he spent his younger brother’s graduation night helping him pull the engine out of a truck and replace it with one he had rebuilt—making sure his brother could head to Texas City and follow in his footsteps as a pipe fitter. That moment set the tone for a lifetime defined by skill, determination, and a knack for fixing just about anything that had a nut, bolt, or screw.

He moved to Texas City, where he built a career as a respected pipe fitter in the refinery industry, proudly working with Pipe Fitters Local 211. In the late 1980s, he met the love of his life, Virginia Harris, and they were married on December 17, 1988. Together, they built a family full of love, laughter, and a few well-timed pranks. He was a devoted husband to Virginia, a proud father to his daughters, and gladly took on the role of “bonus dad” to his son.

Around the year 2000, Charles returned to the Quitman area, where he continued doing what he loved most—working with his hands. Whether restoring cars, tinkering with tractors, or taking apart something just to prove he could put it back together better, he was never far from a project. He was a devoted member of the Lake Country Car Club, where he shared his passion and knowledge with friends who quickly became like family.

Charles had a sharp sense of humor and a playful spirit. If he pulled a prank on you, you could be sure of one thing—you were loved. He found joy in the simple pleasures: sitting on the porch, waving at every passing car (whether he knew them or not), and spending quiet time fishing. Beneath his humor was a man deeply devoted to his family, caring for them with steady strength and a generous heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Della Harris; his beloved wife, Virginia Harris; and his brothers, John Earl Harris and Bobby Lynn Harris.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Shawn Walker and husband James of Kingston, Oklahoma, and Shane Whitworth of Sherman, Texas; his son, Jared Boyd and wife Sandra of Friendswood, Texas; his sister, Sue Mullino and her husband Brock of Quitman, Texas; his grandchildren, Tabitha Rutledge and husband Stephen, Gary Jones, Jr., Blake Brooks, Brett Brooks, Hudson Whitworth, Tyler Boyd, Brody Boyd, Mckayla Hotchkiss, and Savannah Hotchkiss; and his great-grandchildren, Preston, Lola, Vivi, Scarlett, Wyatt, Charles, Avery, and Rory. He is also survived by many nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of friends who will miss his stories, his laughter, and his unmistakable wave from the porch.

Charles lived a life built on hard work, humor, and love. He leaves behind engines well-tuned, projects well-finished, and a family that will carry his legacy forward—likely with a wrench in one hand and a smile on their face.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lake Country Car Club.

A funeral service for Charles will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at Lowe-Gardner Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Quitman Cemetery following the service. The family will welcome visitors on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Lowe-Gardner Funeral Home.