Charlotte Rankin Harris

08/06/1939 - 01/08/2026

Charlotte Rankin Harris, 86, of Auburn, AL passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2026. She was born in Durham, North Carolina, on August 6, 1939, to Reverend Hamilton Paul Rankin and Elaine Clay Hall Rankin. Charlotte was predeceased by her husband, Don P. Harris, and her sister, Joyce Rankin Vickers. She is survived by her sister, Doris Rankin Miller; nephews Tim Vickers (Susie) and Mark Miller (Kirsten and children Sylvan, Kelly, and AnnElise); nieces Laura Miller (Peter Lerwill) and Dara Miller (and children Madelaine Duggan and Connor Duggan).

Charlotte spent her school years in Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended Bass High School and proudly served as a cheerleader. She and her sister Doris remained active with her classmates, attending reunions together for many years. After graduation, Charlotte moved to Orlando, Florida, and at just 19 began her career at the local Cadillac dealership as a receptionist. She remained with the company for her entire professional life, rising through dedication and talent to become Controller for a multi-dealership owner group. She retired after an extraordinary 49-year career.

Charlotte and her husband Don made the most of their life in Orlando. They enjoyed Disney memberships, often dining in the Disney Village after work, and on the rare day off together, they loved spending the entire day at Disney. Charlotte was also deeply devoted to her mother. In her early years in Orlando, she lived next door to her and later brought her mother to live with her during her twilight years, caring for her with unwavering love.

A lifelong animal lover, Charlotte rescued several dogs who became cherished companions. Upon retirement, she adopted two pugs, Winston and Trudy, who brought her great joy. Later, she welcomed Patrick, a chihuahua she adopted through Ahimsa House, a nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence escape with their pets. After Patrick passed away last year, Charlotte adopted Ziggy, a Maltese, who will now live with her sister Doris.

Following retirement, Charlotte moved to Auburn, Alabama, to be near Doris and her family. She adored her nieces and nephews and was a constant presence at their recitals, sporting events, and celebrations. Charlotte, Doris, Laura, and Dara shared Auburn Football season tickets for many years, and Charlotte was always a beloved part of every tailgate.

Soon after settling in Auburn, Charlotte met Gigi Blalock and was welcomed into a circle of friends she cherished deeply. Her social calendar was always full-tap dancing, china painting, water aerobics, bunco, ladies' poker, campus club, and mahjong were just a few of the activities she enjoyed. She and Doris volunteered for many years with the Women's Auxiliary at East Alabama Medical Center and held season tickets to East Alabama Arts and The Gogue.

Charlotte was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, where she served faithfully on the Flower Guild. A service celebrating her life will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, Alabama, on Friday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. CT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ahimsa House in Charlotte's memory.

https://ahimsahouse.org/donate