Obituary: Charles Clarence Harrison Jr.
Charles C. "Chuck" Harrison Jr., of Scarborough and Gorham, Remembered as a Campground Character and Racing Enthusiast
A well-known figure at one of southern Maine's most popular campgrounds has died at the age of 74.
Charles Clarence Harrison Jr., known to friends and family simply as Chuck, passed away peacefully on Aug. 6, 2026, following a long illness. His family remembered him as a social, good-natured man whose deep voice, striking blue eyes, and gift for storytelling left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Harrison was born March 6, 1952, in Freeport, the third of five sons born to Charlie and Mabel Allen Harrison. Growing up in a houseful of boys, he developed a taste for spirited fun and a lifelong love of car racing, both as a spectator and behind the wheel.
As a young man, Harrison went to work alongside his father and his uncle, Edward "Let" Harrison, painting houses for Logan for Painting. He later spent many years working for G.H. Stanford Construction and, on and off throughout his career, operated heavy equipment for Maietta Construction.
He welcomed two daughters, of whom he was enormously proud.
Later in life, Harrison found both his calling and his partner when he met Janet Hodgdon, whom family members described as his "forever best friend." The two married and together developed a shared love of camping. They traveled extensively across Maine, visiting campgrounds throughout the state. Harrison, his family said, liked every campground he visited, every camp mascot he encountered, and every camp friend he made.
The couple eventually settled as summer residents at Bayley's Camping Resort in Scarborough, where Harrison joined the grounds crew and became a fixture at the resort over many seasons. He struck up friendships with the late Tom Bayley and Paul Lessard, and his family noted that he is now reunited with those "good ol' boys," sharing a cold Bud.
His weekends were often spent at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, where Harrison was a familiar presence on Saturday nights, trading stories with family and friends. He was known for his quick wit and colorful expressions — answering the phone with a cheerful "good n' you" — and for delivering his entertaining local tales with dramatic flair, knee slaps and all.
In addition to camping, Harrison enjoyed gardening and fishing and took pride in his annual harvest and catch.
Harrison is survived by his wife, Janet Hodgdon Harrison; two daughters, Tara Coffin and her husband Chad of Freeport, and Carrie Bowen and her husband Mark of Durham; a stepdaughter, Jaye Mullin of Gorham; four brothers, Robert Harrison and his wife Debbie, Peter Harrison and his wife Ini, Richard Harrison and his wife Shelly, all of Freeport, and Kenneth Harrison and his wife Sharon of The Forks; a foster sister, Betsey Roman and her husband Steve of Gray; his mother-in-law; and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
He is also survived by four grandchildren, Julia, Bailey, Katie and Harrison; two great-grandchildren, Rylee and Cora; and a cousin, Jerry Harrison, to whom he was especially close. His extended Bayley's Camping Resort family, he leaves behind as well.
He was predeceased by his parents and a stepson, Jack Mullin.
The family extended their gratitude to Northern Light Mercy Home Health & Hospice, and particularly to a caregiver named Addy and her team, for the extraordinary care Harrison received in his final days. "They are truly angels on earth," the family wrote.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, Sept. 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Bayley's Camping Resort, located at 275 Pine Point Road in Scarborough.
Online condolences may be submitted through the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website at mainefuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harrison's memory may be made to the Northern Light Health Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402.
