Chester Lee Harris

Chester Lee Harris, 86, formerly of Fayetteville, passed away on Saturday, June 08, 2024 in Charlotte. 

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11:30m at Herring Funeral Care & Cremations Chapel. Burial will follow in LaFayette Memorial Park West.

Chester Lee Harris was born August 28, 1937 in Brewton, Alabama.  He is survived by his wife, Mary (Davis) Harris, three daughters, Ramona Harris, Rita Hazell (husband Quentin Hazell), and Rhea Byrd (husband Timothy Brandon Byrd), grandson, Eli Harris Byrd; sister-in-law, Marybelle Harris; nephews Keith Harris, Norman Harris, and Hilary Harris Jr. Chester was preceded in death by his brother Hilary Harris, father Norman Lee Harris and mother, Beatrice Hawkins Pugh.

A military veteran, Chester Harris served in the United States Air Force. During a time of mandatory draft in the nation, Chester chose to volunteer.  He often spoke of his time served as Military Police in Korea and guarding Air Force One. Throughout his military career, Chester received certificates of merit, recommendations and accolades from ranked officers for his fine quality of work, appreciation for setting a great example and praise for his ability to successfully impact his peers. Chester completed foreign service in Korea and lastly in England prior to an honorable discharge after over 14 years of service to the nation.

While stationed at Pope Air Force Base, Chester met his soon-to-be wife at church in Fayetteville, NC.  After charming her mother for approval, they wed January 24, 1964! Soon after, the happy couple continued the new adventure in England with their two toddlers, Ramona and Rita.  After their return to the U.S., Chester completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Winston-Salem State University in 1977.

Chester’s career as a Logistics Engineer for government defense contracts was consistently successful as he maintained a top-level security clearance required for his projects. However, his most important work was built on the faith that sustained him through 55 years of service within the WWCG and GCI churches.

Welcoming the wonderful addition of their third daughter, Rhea, he ministered as Local Elder in California, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Carolina. Chester's calling was to serve those in need:  providing elderly widows with transportation to church, supporting families in times of crisis, visiting seniors in his community, and befriending those drawn to the warmth of his huge smile, big hugs, and joyful spirit.   

He enthusiastically liked to play team sports such as basketball and bowling, family road trips, days at the beach, helping his wife and daughters and their friends with pursuits in catering, marching band events and company events.  Chester’s passions were listening to music, watching old westerns, action movies, air shows and MOST of all, eating his wife’s cooking. According to him, no restaurant could do any better!

Chester and Mary celebrated 60 years of marriage in January 2024. The foundation of their commitment to each other was faith in Christ. He was especially proud to be blessed with his wife and family. His unwavering faith created a giving spirit of love that touched all that knew him. Chester will be dearly missed.  We who shared his journey still carry the love he gave to all of us. 

A viewing will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 10:30am-11:30am, prior to the service,

Arrangement by Herring Funeral Care & Cremations. 

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