WILMINGTON — Charles Ronald Harrison passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at the age of 84. Charles, better known as Ronnie, was born on August 4, 1938 in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Jeston Dewey and Virginia Fellers Harrison. He married his beloved wife, Jean Hall Harrison, on April 11, 1964. Together they had 4 children: Chad Harrison (Kimberly), Chris Harrison (Holly), Carla Turner (Bill), and Corey Harrison (Cindy). He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brothers J.D. and Lawrence Harrison. He is survived by his four children, eleven grandchildren (Cara Staley (Cameron), Cobi Harrison, Noah Harrison, Charleigh Harrison, Austin Turner, Caroline Turner, Meree Turner, Collin Harrison, Gracelyn Harrison and Charlotte Farr), two great-grandchildren (Aiden and Archer Staley), and his sister-in-law (Becky Duclos (Joey).
Ronnie was very active in his church (Trinity United Methodist Church), where he attended most of his life, teaching Sunday School and serving on various boards. He was a lifelong member of Supper Optimist Club, where he served one term as President. Ronnie graduated from East Carolina with a B.A. in 1960. He then served in the United States Army in West Berlin in the early 1960’s. Ronnie was the owner and operator of Harrison Typewriter Company, and ended his professional career working at local ABC stores. In his free time, Ronnie loved to golf, quail hunt, and eat his dinners at Ruth’s Kitchen. He volunteered with Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and Meals on Wheels for many years. Ronnie never met a stranger, making his time and presence a gift to everyone he was around. Above all else, Ronnie loved to spend time with his family. He found great joy in attending his grandchildren’s various extracurricular activities. He continued to host weekly Sunday lunches even after his wife’s passing in 2020. An avid reader, Ronnie spent many hours at New Hanover County Public Libraries. In the time after Jean’s passing, his beloved dog Sandy was his constant companion.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, December 23 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1403 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Good Shepherd, Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Meals on Wheels, or Trinity United Methodist.
