Charles Russell Harr

Charles R. Harr, age 80, of Knoxville, TN passed away February 19, 2026. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Lynne Harr. Charlie retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel after flying fighter aircraft for 26 years. He was a veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm receiving numerous awards in combat including the Legion of Merit, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star, 12 Air Medals, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. He was a member of several organizations, including the Super Saber Society, Distinguished Flying Cross Society, and the Air Force Association.

After retirement from the Air Force, he became a Certified Financial PlannerTM at Patriot Investment Management where he continued to care for his clients until his death. Charlie was an active member of Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church where he served as Church Leadership Council Chair, Finance Committee Chair and Endowment Committee Chair. He also served the Methodist Denomination through the Holston Conference as Chair of the Board of Pensions, Chair of the Investment Committee of the Holston Conference Foundation and as a Holston Home for Children Foundation Board member.

Charlie was active in the Knoxville community, having served as a Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Commissioner, Dogwood Arts Festival Board Treasurer, Financial Planning Association of East Tennessee President, East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association Board Treasurer, United Way of Greater Knoxville Allocations, Rotary Club of Knoxville Club Secretary and Scholarship Committee Chair, and HonorAir Knoxville Board and Flight Leadership Team.

Charlie graduated from Wichita Falls High School, West Texas State University (BS), and Troy State University (MS).

He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Charlotte Harr of Wichita Falls, TX, sister Ruth Masterson, parents-in-law Jack and Peggy Parkins of Midland, TX, brother-in-law Mark Parkins, and nephew Matthew Parkins. He is survived by his wife Lynne, brother-in-law Chuck Masterson, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2pm, with reception in the Fellowship Hall to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church, Charles Harr Memorial Fund.