Obituary of Charles Jerome Harrell

Charles "Sunshine" Harrell March 28, 1911 - October 18, 2013 Charles Harrell was born in Salt lake City, Utah, he was the son of Channcy Charles Harrell of Missouri and Annie May Gardner of Utah. Charles moved to Santa Cruz as a young child and attended Bayview Elementary School, he then began working side by side with his father. Mr. Harrell held many different positions throughout his working career, utilizing a wide range of skills, working for many companies such as; Salz Tannery, Coast Counties which is now PG&E where he stayed for 35 years and was known as the best truck driver they had, able to drive the curviest mountain roads without a problem. Charles Harrell had a warm sunny personality, and was a hard worker, he earned the name "Sunshine" for his upbeat disposition. He was also known as the "Bicycle man of 7th Avenue", he was a bike expert, able to take a quick glance at any bicycle and be able to tell you the make, model and year, he enjoyed both buying and selling them. Charles had a genuine love of anything Native American, he had all sorts of collectables that he cherished, and he himself had Native American heritage which helped to fuel his interest. Mr. Harrell was a member of Twin Lakes Church and volunteered at Grey Bears. He is preceded in death by his first wife Annie Harrell, his son Charles Jerome Harrell Jr., his brother William Owen Harrell and his granddaughter Cynthia Kelly-Silva. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Elizabeth Harrell, daughter Anne Harrell, Pat Starr and a niece, 2 nephews, 8 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 35 great- great grandchildren. A Service will be held for Charles on Friday November 15th, 2013, beginning at 1:00 pm at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2271 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a virtual candle for Charles and share any condolences with his family.