POLAND — Charles “Sonny” L. Harris Jr., 79, of Poland, died Oct. 17, of bladder cancer at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Lewiston, Feb. 19, 1932, the son of Charles L. Jr. and Doris Newton Harris. He attended Verrill school in Minot and graduated from Mechanic Falls High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, and was stationed in Alaska for 17 months.

He married Arlene Mitchell June 17, 1956, and they had four sons, Mark, Kevin, Stephen and Paul. He worked at several shoe shops before working at Central Maine Medical Center for nearly 27 years in material services.

He was a member of the Pleasant Street Baptist Church in Mechanic Falls, he sang in the choir, was a Sunday school teacher and served many years as a deacon.

Charles had many interests. He loved working in his flower garden and growing roses. Easter lilies were his most prized works of art. Other interests were the beautifully decorated birthday cakes he made for relatives and friends, as well as his homemade pies, cookies and rolls. He also kept the post office busy with the many cards and letters he wrote almost daily. He will also be remembered for his smile and his very caring and generous nature.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Arlene of Poland; sons, Mark and Christine of Auburn, Stephen Harris and Karen Lamb of Windham and Paul and Chanin of Rochester, N.H.; grandchildren, Joshua and Cassie Harris of Virginia, Tyler Davis, Brianna Harris and Devin Davis of Rochester, N.H., and Joel Harris of Poland; a stepgranddaughter, Sydnee Harris of Auburn; a great-granddaughter, Arabella Harris of Virginia; his “special” adopted granddaughter, Rebecca Berry of Poland; brothers, I. Wendall and Arlene of Mechanic Falls, Malcolm and Barbara of Minot, John and Sue of Poland, Clifford and Sheila of Minot and Dwight and Carol of Greene.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Doris; a son, Kevin; and a brother, Dana.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.