Charles Harris

Mr. Charles Robert “Choker Cheese” Harris entered into eternal rest Monday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Columbia, South Carolina. He was born September 16, 1950, the youngest of three children of Mamie Blue Harris and John Harris Sr,.

Charles attended and graduated from Webber High School in Eastover, South Carolina. Following that, he attended South Carolina State University, where he was a member and man of distinction in SCSU's illustrious Marching “101" Band, in the Drum Corps.

After graduating SCSU with a B.S. degree in engineering, he worked for the Michelin Tire Company where he was afforded the opportunity to live abroad, in and around Paris, France, for a couple of years. In 1979, Charles Robert married Dorothy Yolanda Hill and to this union two children were born, a son, Charles Sheldon Harris and a daughter, Dorothy “Dee’ Harris Beauvais.

For 20 years, Charles and Dottie owned and operated DAZZLERS, INC., one of downtown Greenville's premier nightlife establishments. Then later, other companies: Utopia Health and Fitness Spa and Wings on Wheels. A very active member of his community, he was a mentor in Greenville's BIG BROTHERS program and a member in the GSP small business collective.

He was a generous, fun-loving, and humorous man whose energy and spirit seemed to surround all those who had the opportunity to be in his presence. He was an avid fisherman, who loved the outdoors and being on the open water. He was a self-proclaimed five-star chef, grill-master, and master of ceremonies. Tailgating was not only one of his passions, it was a way of life. He was a loving husband, beloved father, caring sibling, fierce friend, and wise mentor who will be truly missed.

Preceding him in death: his wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Yolonda Harris; his mother and father, Mamie B. Harris and John Harris Sr., and his uncle, Robert l. Blue Jr.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his two children, son, Charles Sheldon Harris of Columbia, South Carolina and daughter Dorothy “Dee” Harris Beauvais (Anthony) of Houston, Texas; five nephews, Robert Hill Jr. (Joy) of Richmond, Virginia, Major Chad R. Williams of Okinawa, Japan, Marion O. III (Emma) of Charleston South Carolina, John Harris, III of Columbia, South Carolina and Deon Rayshaud Harris of Hopkins, South Carolina; two nieces, Shana Harris of Charlotte North Carolina and Artis Hill Williamson (Michael) of Atlanta Georgia; a dear friend, Patrice Ajala and her children, India Ajala, and Israel Ajala, all of Greenville, South Carolina, and a host of extended family and close friends.