Charles Ellis "Bubbie" Harris

Charles Ellis "Bubbie" Harris was born on August 16, 1924 in Felton, Delaware. He was the second child of the late Isaac Peter and Helen Harris.

Bubbie began his education attending Reeves Crossing Elementary School through the 8th grade. Thereafter, he attended Booker T. Washington 109C and Delaware State College until he was drafted. He served in the United States Navy during WWII from 1943 to 1946; he served in California, South Pacific, China and Hawaii. After his honorable discharge, he worked several jobs before being hired at the Port of Wilmington in 1952 as a general laborer working his way up to a heavy equipment operator. After 35 years of loyal and dedicated service, Bubbie retired in 1987 at the age of 62.

Bubbie married the love of his life, Thelma Naomi Townsend. They shared 55 years of marriage until her death in 2004. From this union, he became the proud father of four daughters and two sons. Bubbie was one of the six founding members of the Thunderguards Motorcycle Club – Wilmington Chapter; and was instrumental in naming the club. Bubbie attended Harrison Memorial Baptist Church where he sang in the Male and Senior choirs. He was a Trustee and Ordained Deacon. Returning to his roots after retirement, Brother Harris reunited with his family church, St. James Union AME Church, now the New Beginnings Community AME Church where Rev. Rita Mishoe Paige is his Pastor. He served as a Steward and a Trustee and was a member of the Mens Choir, Senior Choir and the Harris/Burris Family Choir. He loved performing in the church plays and he enjoyed spending time with family and his many friends at the Frederica Senior Center where he shared time shooting pool and playing bingo 2-3 times each week. He was a loving, kind and caring soulful person.

In addition to his parents Peter and Helen, he was preceded in death by his wife Thelma; daughter April; grandson Brian; sister Louise; and his brothers: Lester, Isaac, Jr., Reynolds, Sr., William, Kenneth and James Henry.

He leaves to cherish his memories his daughter Patricia McManus (Charles) of New Castle, DE; his sons Charles Mitchell of Wilmington, DE and Thomas Marshall (Linda) of Bear, DE; his daughters Madeline Joyce Hall of Chicago, IL and Tracey Rochelle Harris-Brown (David) of Frederica, DE; fourteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; two brothers Nelson (Eva) of Dover, DE and Paul of Felton, DE; three sisters-in-law: Marian, Agnes and Margaret of Dover, DE; a special friend/brother Larry Keller (Bonnie) of Frederica, DE; a bonus daughter Innus Parker; two very special cousins-in-law, Walter Carpenter (Evelyn) of Chicago, IL and Frances Green of Plainfield, NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. A special mention to three dearly devoted friends: Jesse, Linda and Melvin from the Frederica Senior Center.

A funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934 where there will be a viewing from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday. Burial will follow in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Beginnings Community AME Church, 99 Jackson Street, P.O. Box 413, Frederica, DE 19963. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.