Charles Newton Harrist, Jr.

Charles Newton Harrist Jr, 79, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 20. 

Charles was born on September 1, 1944 to Charles and Helen Harrist in Bloomburg, Texas. After graduating from Brandon High School in Mississippi, in 1962, Charles spent a life-long career in telecommunications engineering. He retired from AT&T after 35 years and continued his career consulting. 

Charles was married to Nancy Floyd until her passing in 1988. Together they had two sons, Charles III and Timothy. He married Susan Orr in 1989. Charles, Susan, and their daughter, Ellen lived in Clay County, Florida until his passing.

 Throughout his life, Charles was an avid outdoorsman. He frequently visited Alaska and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was a talented painter and sculptor. 

He was preceded in death by his mother Helen, father Charles, brother Ronald, and grandson Mathew. 

Charles is survived by his wife Susan, sons Tim and Chuck (Melissa), daughter Ellen (Rob), grandchildren Charles IV, Christian, Victoria, Lucy, and Hunter, and great grandchildren Jordan, Matthew, Jake, Brooks, and Audrey. 

Charles’s remains will be spread near family in Brandon, Mississippi on July 2nd. A service will be held in his honor at Meadow Grove Baptist Church.