Randall F. Harrell, Sr.
West Point, VA - Randall (Randy) Forehand Harrell, Sr., formerly of Colerain, NC, passed away on June 17, 2023, in West Point, VA, at the age of 80. To many, he was a favorite teacher, coach, or friend, and to his family, he was the best father and grandfather one could ask for. He was born on August 23, 1942, on his beloved farm in Bertie County, North Carolina, to the late Sibyl Forehand Harrell and Joseph Armster Harrell, Sr. After graduating from Colerain High School, he earned a BS in Physical Education from Frederick College in 1965, where he excelled in football. Upon graduation, Dad taught history, geography, and physical education and coached football, basketball, baseball, and tennis in the Suffolk County (Forest Glen HS) and Newport News Public School Systems (Warwick HS). After leaving the teaching profession, Dad sold brick and other building materials in Williamsburg, VA. He found his greatest delights in spending time with his children and grandchildren and supporting them in the classroom, in athletics, and in their careers. He was always present to offer advice and guidance whenever needed and never ended a conversation or visit without saying “I love you,” especially after the Long Harrell Goodbye. Dad was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Wesley Paul Harrell (Betty Lou) and Joseph Armster Harrell, Jr. (Joyce), and daughterin-law Elissa Earl Harrell.
He is survived by his loving children Sibyl Harrell Wilson (Len) of West Point, VA; Randall Forehand Harrell, Jr. (Erica) of Hickory, NC; and Joseph Armster Harrell, II (Kathleen) of Hanover, VA. Dad loved his children-in-law as if they were his own, and he had a very special relationship with Len, who was truly a third son to him and whose caring for and devotion to was unmatched. He is also survived by his devoted grandchildren John B. Murray, III, William H. Murray (Lauren), Margaret L. Wilson, Ryan C. Wilson (Brittney and daughter Amelia), Randall F. Harrell, III, Sarah Jane Harrell, Sibyl C. Harrell, J. Henry Harrell, Aidan H. Ross, Finnan K. Ross, and one beautiful great granddaughter, Tupper Grey Murray.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Colerain, North Carolina, with the Rev. Gary Saffell officiating. Funeral arrangements were made by Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie, NC. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please make a donation directly to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105; or the NC Wildlife Federation, 1024 Washington Street, Raleigh, NC, 27605; or you may donate online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search; type Randall Harrell.
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