Walter P. Harrell Sr.
SUFFOLK—Walter Perry Harrell Sr. died Nov. 12, 2008.
He was born in Nansemond County Oct. 27, 1935, to the late Walter Scott and Virginia Lee Perry Harrell, but grew up in Gatesville, N.C.
Mr. Harrell graduated from Gatesville High School in 1954 and was class president.
After high school, he served 18 months in the Army in the 101st Airborne Division and then graduated from East Carolina in 1960.
He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church since 1971.
He loved serving the Lord as a Sunday school teacher, deacon in which he was a past chairman, and a longtime member of the church choir singing praises of his heavenly Father.
He retired from Union Camp Corporation in 1997 as a sales service supervisor.
He loved those he worked with and kept in contact with many co-workers.
After retiring, he enjoyed traveling, genealogy, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.
Perry leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to God, his family and to many lifetime friends. His beautiful smile and his famous biscuits will be missed.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 47 years, Barbara Ann Simmons Harrell; a daughter, Virginia Anne Harrell Godwin and her husband Robert Lewis Godwin Sr. of Suffolk; a son, Walter Perry Harrell Jr. and his wife JoAnne Rawls Harrell of Suffolk; three grandchildren, Robert Lewis Godwin Jr., Ashley Ann Godwin and Perry Rawls Harrell, all of Suffolk; a sister, Phyllis Lee Harrell Bryant of Murfreesboro, N.C.; many nieces and nephews, and several sisters and brothers-in-law.
He spent his last months under Hospice care and the family would like to thank Becky Case, R.N., and the caregivers of Heartland Hospice and the love and concern of all his family and friends.
The family will receive friends at the residence.
A funeral was to be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in Hillcrest Baptist Church by the Rev. Jim George.
Graveside services was to follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church Building Fund, 1637 Holland Road, Suffolk, VA 23434.
Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.