Walter Harrell Sr.

Published 12:00 am Friday, November 14, 2008

Walter Perry Harrell, Sr. went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008. He was born in Nansemond County on Oct. 27, 1935 to the late Walter Scott and Virginia Lee Perry Harrell, but grew up in Gatesville, N.C. Perry 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. Perry 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. Perry loved those he worked with and kept in contact with many coworkers. After retiring, Perry 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.
Perry is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Simmons Harrell of 47 years; 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, 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.
Perry spent his last months under Hospice Care and the family would like to thank Becky Case, RN and the caregivers of Heartland Hospice and the love and concern of all his family and friends.
The family will receive friends at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Dr., Suffolk, Va., Friday night from 7-8 p.m. and other times at the residence. A funeral will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008 at 1 p.m. a Hillcrest Baptist Church by the Rev. Jim George. Graveside services will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church Building Fund,1637 Holland Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.