Chuck Harris

Charles Elmer Harris, lovingly known as Chuck, of Modest Town, VA, and formerly of Gunnison, CO, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, VA.

Born in Sea Isle, NJ, on January 1, 1962, Chuck made his entrance as the very first baby born in South Jersey that year-a fitting start for someone who would leave such a unique mark on the world. Raised in the Pines, he grew into a true motorhead, a die-hard Phillies fan, and a natural problem solver who could fix just about anything. At just ten years old, his dad gave him his first mini dirt bike, sparking a lifelong love for engines and mechanics. Whether it had wheels, wires, or water cooling, Chuck could repair it-or rebuild it better than before.

He spent time as a commercial fisherman, but it was his work as an electromechanic at General Mills that became his career, keeping the machines that fed the country running smoothly. Still, Chuck's real spark lit up when personal computers entered the scene. A tech pioneer at heart, he built his first water-cooled computer long before most people knew how to open a Word document. He embraced the digital world with passion and brilliance.

QuakeCon-a gaming and computer convention in Texas-was Chuck's arena to shine. He brought his custom-built machines, helped set up the vast networks, and made lifelong connections with fellow enthusiasts. His final water-cooled computer, built in 2024, was his masterpiece-brimming with precision, power, and a rainbow of glowing colors.

Chuck was always willing to help anyone, but he especially loved helping his wife, Joanne. The two shared countless adventures together and were the definition of a "seat-of-the-pants" couple. One day, on a whim, they left the hustle and bustle of New Jersey behind for the serene mountain town of Gunnison, CO-incidentally, the same place where Wyatt Earp once sought peace after the O.K. Corral. There, Chuck helped Joanne grow tomatoes and fill their yard with flowers to draw hummingbirds and butterflies.

He was deeply proud of his children and cherished his role as a father. Being a family man meant everything to him. His friends will remember him not only for his intelligence and work ethic, but also for his generous spirit and unwavering willingness to lend a hand whenever it was needed.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Joanne Moritz Harris; children, Andrew Pierce, Charles Grayson, Alexa Grayson, Megan Harris, and John Harris; sisters, Kimberly Harris and Patricia Harris; grandchildren, Wyatt Grayson and Asher Ferraro; three nieces and two nephews; and extended family, Gordon and Christine Johnson and Brian Russikoff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Kathleen Harris, and his sister, Wendy Lynn Harris Caban.

Per Chuck's wishes, no public service will be held.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.