Charles Robert HarrisNew Tazewell, TNCharles Robert Harris, age 76, of New Tazewell, TN, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends on February 20, 2017, at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville. He was born on September 18, 1940 in Claiborne County and saved at an early age at New Salem Baptist Church. He was a lifelong member of the church and served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon. He was married to his beloved wife, Dovie Cunningham Harris, for 57 years and they had one son, Chris Harris of New Tazewell. In his twenties, Charles served in the United States Army as a medic. He attributed this experience to many life lessons that helped him to become the man he was today. After his discharge from the military, Charles began work at Signal Knitting Mills at an entry level position. His hard work ethic was noticed and as a result, he became supervisor of the entire knitting department. Eventually, Charles and Gary West decided to begin a side venture producing cloth for Signal that soon became known as Volunteer Knit Apparel. The business became very successful and as a result, the community, as well as many families and various churches reaped its benefits. Upon leaving Volunteer Knitting Apparel for retirement, Charles focused on supporting his church, family, and friends. He also loved his community and served on various boards in Claiborne County. Charles also enjoyed traveling and had friends across the world. He travelled frequently with the travel club of Commercial Bank. His favorite trips were to the Holy Land and Alaska. Charles also enjoyed farming, and he cherished giving friends and family produce from his garden. His most recent greatest joy was spending time with his beloved granddaughter, Savannah, who was his constant companion. Charles's success never changed who he was. At the end of his life, the three most important elements remained God, family and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Harris and Glessie Edens; sister, Wanda Smart. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dovie Cunningham Harris, of New Tazewell, TN; his son, Christopher Charles Harris and wife, Melinda of New Tazewell, TN; granddaughter, Savannah Catherine Harris; sister, Faye Fultz Williams, of New Tazewell, TN, Cleta Seal and husband David, of New Tazewell, TN; brother-in- laws; William "Bill" Cunningham, of Tazewell, TN, Alva Jr. Cunningham and wife, Irene, of New Tazewell, TN, and Steve Cunningham and wife, Susan, of Tazewell, TN; sister-in-law, Clara Morgan and husband, Andy, of New Tazewell, TN; several nieces, nephews and a host of other loving relatives and friends.The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 22, 2017, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, February 23, 2017, at 10:00 AM in the Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Steve Barnard and the Rev. Jerry Gray officiating. Music will be provided by Living Water. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Milton Bailey, Daryl Brooks, Jerry Brooks, Bob Edds, Larry Evans, Mike Reed, Tommy Runions, and Gary West. Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Smith, Delmus Turnmire, and Bob Walker. Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.