Charles Harris

Charles B. “Bill” Harris March 19, 1931 – October 11, 2016 Charles B. “Bill” Harris died on Tuesday October 11, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA while traveling to visit relatives. He was 85. Bill was born on March 19, 1931 in Bono Arkansas to Louis and Lucille Harris. In his youth, Bill was very active in sports, namely soft ball and baseball during his school years. As Bill grew to adulthood, he found farm work did not suit him and started working for the Chris-Craft boat factory in Caruthersville, MO. After a brief period with Chris-Craft, Bill began his distinguished 35 year career with, what was then called, AT&T and/or the Bell System. Bill was hired as a Repairman Installer for Southwestern Bell in 1949. Bill worked his way up through the ranks at Southwestern Bell and achieved the position of Supervisory Testdesk Foreman in 1972. Bill found that he could not seem to progress any further with Southwestern Bell and decided to take a chance out west, in Colorado. He transferred to Mountain Bell in 1972 and was promoted to Supervisory Service Foreman. He worked his way up to District Manager for Business Services in 1979. Bill also helped facilitate the split up of the Bell System and was instrumental in the division of phone lines and equipment between AT&T and US West (Mountain Bell). Bill retired from US West in 1984. After trying retirement for a year or so, Bill became bored and entered his second career. He became employed with the St. Vrain Valley School District as a school bus driver. He found this fit in very well with his “retirement”, along with his rediscovery of golf and his Friday McDonald’s coffee conference. Bill was active in the community through the Kiwanis, Elks and Moose Clubs throughout his life. He was also an active member of the Nelson Road Baptist Church where he often delivered the announcements and led the congregational prayer during Sunday services. Bill is survived by his Wife, Bonnie Harris, Daughter Patricia Spainhower (Jim) of Gillette WY., Son Greg Harris (Gloria) of Longmont CO., Son Randell Harris of Denver, CO., (all by previous marriage) Step Son Greg Parker (Rose) of Littleton and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday November 5, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Carroll-Lewellen Funeral Chapel, 503 Terry St. Longmont, CO. 80501 with Pastor Gerald Brock officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nelson Road Baptist Church or The Longmont Humane Society c/o Carroll-Lewellen Funeral & Cremation Services. Service Information A service summary is not available