David Harris
David Allen Harris, 78, of Charlotte, longtime excavating contractor and hardworking friend of many, “Went Up” peacefully on Friday, November 11, 2022. Dave was born October 10, 1944, in Rogers City, MI, the son of Gerald Dale and Clara Rose (Idalski) Harris. Early in Dave’s life, the family settled in Charlotte, MI, where father and sons started Gerald D. Harris and Sons Excavating in 1961. Shortly after, Dave was drafted into service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving faithfully until his honorable discharge in 1967. Upon his return from the service, Dave met Joan Kay Stults on a blind date in Charlotte. They fell in love and married on June 22, 1968. Dave’s life revolved around family activities – specifically “Work” and “Cabin.” He and his brothers soon formed Harris Brothers Excavating and worked hard long hours side by side with their sons as a family business. Veterans Day was always a special day, as it was the day Dave and his sons “went up” north to the cabin they built together with his brothers, sons and friends, in Onaway, MI, for deer hunting and family time in the great northern outdoors. It is indeed fitting, in Dave’s final hours, he pointed up to the ceiling, and insisted he was still “going up” on Veterans Day.
Community was always a top priority for Dave and his family. Harris Bros. donated thousands of hours and materials throughout the years, to the schools, St. Mary Church, and countless service projects in the Charlotte area. Dave and Joan were longtime faithful members of St. Mary Church. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2406 of Charlotte, and the National Rifle Association. Dave could also be found at Char-Lanes bowling alley for league night. Above all, many will remember Dave for his friendship, his top-notch work ethic, and his love of family.
Dave is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Harris; sons, Allen (Kelley) Harris and Peter (Laura) Harris; daughter, Tammy (Rocky) White; grandchildren, Kamryn and Peyton White; step-grandchildren, Adam, Zach, and Jacob Coburn and Robert, Tiffany, and Jennifer Graham; several step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Sally) Harris, Rita (Rodger) Jones, Clarence “Butch” (Lorraine) Harris, Kathleen (Herb) Schultz, and Mark (Lori) Harris; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 18, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will take place at Benton Twp. Cemetery. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Dave’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Sparrow Hospice Services or St. Mary Catholic Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.