Obituary of Chuck Harris

“For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere.”

                 -- Jedi Master Yoda from Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

Charles Thomas Harris, 56, of Independence, KY, stepped off this earthly plane into forever on August 8, 2026. Born on May 9, 1970, he was the son of the late Thomas and Catherine Harris.  

Chuck shared a very special bond with his grandmother, the late Margaret Muller, who loved and cared for him well into adulthood. In his 20s, Chuck packed up and moved to Kentucky to be closer to his sister, Jean, and apparently decided that Kentucky was a good enough place to stick around for the long haul. He met Becky Howard at iHerb, where they both worked. The two built a life and a family together for 13 years, proving that sometimes the best things in life happen unexpectedly.

Chuck was not exactly what anyone would call “serious.” In fact, taking life too deliberately was probably one of his least favorite activities. He was childlike in the very best way: curious, playful, carefree, and always ready to have a good time. He was blunt, sarcastic, loyal, hardworking, and remarkably difficult to offend. Chuck said what he thought, thought what he said, and probably had a smart and saucy follow-up ready just in case anyone misunderstood him.

He did however, have a dedicated appreciation for seriously loud music. KISS, Mötley Crüe, Metallica, and the rest of the ’80s and ’90s metal and rock lineup were frequently found on Chuck’s playlist. If the music had screaming guitars, pounding drums, and enough volume to annoy the neighbors, there was a pretty good chance Chuck approved.

When he wasn't rocking out, Chuck could often be found playing Pokémon GO or disappearing into the world of PlayStation. He enjoyed Resident Evil, Red Dead Redemption, and his all-time favorite, God of War. Chuck was perfectly happy spending hours fighting monsters and completing quests.

He also loved horror movies, especially when he could watch them with his family. Chuck appreciated a good scare, although whether he was actually scared or simply waiting for the opportunity to make a silly comment about it will never be known.

Chuck had a generous heart. He loved giving gifts to the people he loved, and he didn't believe Christmas was the only acceptable time to do it. Birthdays, holidays, random Tuesdays—pretty much any day was fair game if Chuck found something he thought someone would like. His generosity was one of the many ways he let people know they mattered to him.

Chuck was the beloved partner and spouse of Rebecca “Becky” Howard; stepdad to Faith (Drew) Dean, Christian Renaker, and Quentin Renaker; brother to Jeannie O’Der and Margaret Iqbal; and proud cat dad to four cats who, in all likelihood, considered Chuck less of a father and more of a live-in employee.

Friends and family will gather to find solace in one another’s company and celebrate Chuck’s life. Please come to share stories and memories from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY, 41051 on Friday, August 14, 2026. Immediately following the visitation, Chuck will be laid to rest by family and friends at Independence Cemetery, 5358 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051.

Horns up and rock on, Chuck. You will be missed more than you’ll ever know.