Charles T. Harris

Charles Thomas Harris, 83, of Germantown Hills, IL passed away at 9:21 am on Saturday, July 8, 2017. He was born on June 16, 1934 to William Guy Harris and Mary Elizabeth (Lee) Harris in Somerville, Tennessee.

Charles "Chuck" spent his youth helping on the family farm. He graduated from Whiteville High School in 1952 and moved to Peoria, IL to work at Caterpillar Tractor Co. After going through layoffs he returned to Tennessee and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Chuck was a Korean Veteran stationed in Germany as PFC in the military police. While in Germany he completed US Army Europe Intelligence and Military Police School in 1955. Chuck was discharged from the military due to family hard ship as his father was involved in a serious accident. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves in 1962.

After helping the family Chuck moved to Memphis attending Memphis State University while working at his uncle's garage. He moved back to Peoria, IL in 1959 and began working at Bemis Bag Company. While in Peoria, IL he met Lucinda "Cindy" Ridings and they married on March 9, 1962. They had a son Ronald "Ron" Harris. After another year Chuck changed his employment and began working at WABCO where he was employed for a couple years. He began selling life insurance on the side through Land of Lincoln Life which led to a contract with Farmers Insurance Group in 1971. In 1975 Chuck Harris Insurance went independent. Chuck's wife Cindy began working in the agency in 1977 and son Ron in 1983. In 1994 Chuck was a founding owner/member of Greater Midstates Insurance Agency which helps independent agents attain markets and is in several states. He served as a director and executive vice president for several years.

Chuck enjoyed golfing, gardening, fishing, and playing his guitar. He played in church musical groups and sang in the choir.

Chuck is survived by his wife Cindy Harris of Germantown Hills, IL and son Ron Harris of East Peoria, IL. Chuck is survived by five sisters Florence DeVore of Peoria, IL, Josephine Blizzard of Cave City, KY, Jean Nicoll of Chillicothe, IL, Jane Parish of West Frankfort, IL, and Elizabeth Houston of Glasford, IL. One sister Vera Dickerson preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Bayview Baptist Church in Washington, IL with Reverend Keith Thibo officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until service time on Thursday at the church. Burial will be held in Spring Bay Cemetery in Spring Bay, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Bayview Baptist Church, 22648 Grosenbach Road, Washington, IL 61571. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.