Charles R. Morrison

Charles R. “Charlie” Morrison, 84, of Harrisburg, died Monday, October 17, 2011, at Select Specialty Hospital in the Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill. He was born on September 7, 1927, in Steelton and was the son of the late John E. and Anna E. (Diegel) Morrison.He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 40 years, Arlene M. (Martin) Morrison.

Charlie was a 1945 graduate of Steelton High School and was a professional drummer and bandleader from 1943 to 2005. He led his own group, the Charlie Morrison Trio, for a number of years and also performed in numerous regional, travel and local bands. Charlie also performed in U. S Army bands in 1945-46. He was the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 269, American Federation of Musicians from 1973 to 1995. Charlie, also affectionately known as “Crash”, from crashing the cymbals, played for many years at the 210 Club, 210 Walnut Street in Harrisburg with pianist Reuel Ryman and trumpeter Ray Myers. He co-owned the 210 Club from 1968 through 1973.

He was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church, Steelton since 1941. He belonged to the William S. Snyder Lodge No. 756, Free & Accepted Masons, and was a past member of the American Legion and the 40 & 8. Charlie also worked part time as a security guard in the Safety & Security Department of Hersheypark from 1983 to 2007.

Surviving is his son, Richard C. “Rick” Morrison, of Harrisburg; a brother, Robert E. Morrison, of El Cajon, CA; several nieces including; Pam Olsen, of Missoula, MT, Gail Sparhawk, of La Mesa, CA, Carol Elliott, of Baltimore, MD, Joanne Morrison, of Silver Spring, MD; and a nephew, Bob Morrison, of Great Falls, VA.

A visitation for family and friends will be held in the Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry Street, Harrisburg, on Monday, October 24, 2011 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.in the Centenary United Methodist Church, 1010 Orchard Drive, Steelton, PA 17113. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Boiling Springs, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to either his church or to support live music, one of the regional concert bands which can be contacted through the Harrisburg Musical Association, Local 269, PO Box 1, Camp Hill, PA 17001, (717) 234-8400. The family encourages you to attend a live concert band performance in the next year in memory of Charlie and in support of live music.

Arrangements under the direction of Neill Funeral Home, Harrisburg, PA.