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DURHAM, NC – Julius Linwood Harrell, Sr. was born in Ahoskie, North Carolina on September 15, 1945 to John David Harrell, Sr. and Blanche Slaughter Harrell, both of whom preceded him in death. Julius was the 11th child of 17 born to this union. He departed this life and entered into eternal rest on March 31, 2020 at Duke University Medical Center.

Julius was outgoing and never met a stranger. He gave his life to Christ at an early age at New Ahoskie Baptist Church, Ahoskie, NC. Upon relocating to Durham NC, Julius joined Greater Saint Paul Baptist Church. His later years were spent at Peace Missionary Baptist Church, Durham, NC.

Julius was very committed to his family. He was proud of his siblings, and knew he could never have asked for a better son than Julius Jr. His grandchildren, Julius III (Tre), Ja-Quez, Jordan and Jada were “the apple of his eye”. Anyone who knew Julius knew that Janie, his high school sweetheart, was the true love of his life.

Julius was a graduate of Robert L. Vann High School in Ahoskie, NC, where he was a school bus driver and played football. He received a BS in History/Political Science and an LLB Law degree from North Carolina Central also (NCCU). Julius’ love for fixing cars led him to attend Robert Technical & Trade School where he became a certified Auto Mechanic. He was the Owner/Operator of Harrell’s Garage & Wrecker Service for several years.

As reflected in his work history, Julius loved serving people. He worked as a Durham Public Safety Officer (fireman and policeman); Housekeeping Manager at Duke Medical Center and UNC Hospital; built a successful home-based business/network marketing team using Diamite & Symmetry nutritional product lines; Youth Service Behavior Specialist with C.A. Dillon School; and Marketing/Compliance Representative for Diverse Home Health Services. He retired as a Security Guard at NCCU. He also volunteered with the nonprofit organization, Feed My Sheep of Durham NC. Additionally, one of his passions was being the family historian.

Julius’ memory will be cherished by his wife of 56 years, Janie Riddick Harrell of the home; his son, Julius Linwood Harrell, Jr. (Tiffany) of Durham NC; three grandsons, Julius L. Harrell, III (Tre), Ja-Quez D. Harrell and Jordan E. Harrell; and one granddaughter, Jada L. Harrell, all of Durham NC. He also leaves to cherish his memory, four brothers, Arthur L. Harrell, Sr. of Elmont NY, Dr. Sampson Harrell (Lizzie) of Durham NC, Joseph Harrell (Cheri) of Durham NC, and Dr. Russell Harrell (Cynthia) of Durham NC, and one sister, Dr. Cynthia L. Harrell of Durham NC; one god-daughter, Ireatha Warren of Hillsborough NC; sisters-in-law, Rosie W. Harrell, Asheville NC, Stella W. Harrell, Rockingham NC, Peggy Vann (Ralph), Ahoskie NC, Helen Gamble (Otho), Charlotte NC, and Frances Mizzell (Fred) Decatur GA; brothers-in-law, Jesse Riddick (Gwen), Durham NC and Vernon Riddick (Johnnie), Durham NC; and other loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Julius was preceded in death by both parents; and siblings, Baby Girl (Paulette Harrell), William Harrell, Virginia Woodard, John D. Harrell Jr., Judge Robert Harrell, Sr., Hazel Harrell Rouson, George K. Harrell, Rev. Kenneth Harrell, Loisteen Harrell, Yvonne Harrell, and Blanche Harrell Gipson.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight: We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.“                                              

II Corinthians 5:7-8