Charley Ray Harris, age 85, and his wife, Martha Jean, age 84, of Joelton, Tennessee, entered into the presence of Jesus within minutes of each other while holding hands on Monday, May 17, 2021 at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville.
Funeral services for both will be conducted at 1 o’clock pm, Saturday, May 22nd, at New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Joelton with Bro. Corey Minter, Bro. David Royalty, and Rev. Roger Senechal officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Christopher Harris, Blake Harris, Robert Lee Hand, Doug Crocker, Carl Chambliss, Bruce Chambliss, Scotty Chambliss, Mark Chambliss, Buddy Harris, Dale Turrentine, Don Amos, Gary Chance, Ray Pillow, David Simpson, Doug Vann, and Gilford Walker.
The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday, May 22nd, beginning at 11:00AM until the hour of service at 1:00PM.
Following the funeral services, their remains will be cremated and a private family burial at a later date.
Mr. Charley Ray was born in Joelton, Tennessee on March 21, 1936 to the late Charley Burnis “Cotton” & Eunice Bell Turrentine Harris. After college, he taught for three years at Glencliff High School in Nashville. He then began his banking career at Whites Creek Bank & Trust where he eventually became Vice-President. Afterwards, he opened and designed United Citizens Bank in Ashland City. Upon leaving there, he opened, along with Jerry Garrett and Winfield Dunn, First Cumberland Bank in Madison. After this, he continued his career in mortgage lending and enjoyed working at Pebble Brook golf course.
Mrs. Martha Jean was born in Nashville, Tennessee on December 20, 1936 to the late Ernest Edwards & Laura Mae Hand Williams. She was a homemaker, and owner/operator of Ashland City Office Supply & Hallmark Cards that supplied books to Cheatham County Schools. She enjoyed crafts and created Memories in Glass.
Mr. & Mrs. Harris were married for sixty-five years and were both members of New Hope Free Will Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, Charley Ray is preceded in death by sisters, Sue Helen Osborne, and Bonnie Ruth Vann. He is survived by brother, William Richard “Buddy” Harris.
In addition to her parents, Martha Jean is preceded in death by brother, Ernest Edwards Williams, Jr.
Additional survivors include sons, Dale (Suzann) Harris, Richard (Lisa) Harris, daughter, Laurice (Bill) Crocker; grandchildren, Christopher (Anna Louise) Harris, AnnaGee Harris (Gerry Senechal), Blake Harris; great-grandchildren, Anne Catherine & Colt Harris; step-grandchildren, Tom (Kathryne) Crocker, James (Anita) Crocker, Doug (Dana) Crocker, and their families.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to The Nashville Steam Preservation Society, www.nashvillesteam.org
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com
