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MURFREESBORO – John Wesley “Buck” Harrell, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated community member, passed away at the age of 78 on July 7, 2024, at Three Rivers Health and Rehab Center in Bertie County, North Carolina. Born on June 8, 1946, in Bertie County, North Carolina, Buck was a man who lived a fulfilling and humble life.

Buck proudly served his country in the United States Navy, enlisting in January 1965 and honorably retiring in 1991 after 26 years of dedication and service. He continued to serve the country through a second career at the United States Postal Service until his final retirement. In addition to his professional achievements, Buck had many personal interests that enriched his life and the lives of those around him. He loved fishing, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying Duke Blue Devils and Boston Celtics basketball games. Notably, he cherished hunting trips to Kansas and the Dakotas with dear friends. A committed community leader, Buck was a past president of the Murfreesboro Shrine Club, served as Past Master of the Murfreesboro Masonic Lodge, and was a devoted member of Meherrin Baptist Church. Buck’s legacy of service, love, and dedication will be forever remembered and cherished by all who knew him. Rest in peace, Buck.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Willie Harrell and Sallie Mae Castelloe Harrell; his twin sons, Russel David and Brian Jeffrey Harrell; daughter, Kris Campbell; sisters, Willie Mae Reese, and Lillian Davis; and brothers, Earl Harrell, Jack Harrell, J.C. Harrell, and Buddy Harrell.

Buck leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Shirley; his daughters, Stephanie Conner and her husband Chris of Murfreesboro, and Ellen King of Nevada. He was the adoring grandfather to Liam Blake Conner and Hartleigh Rose Conner, both of Murfreesboro. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Helen Newby of Plymouth, and Hazel Cooksey of Jacksonville, FL, alongside numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro, NC, and at other times at the family home.

A celebration of life funeral service will take place on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Meherrin Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, NC, officiated by Rev. John Porter. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the Meherrin Baptist Church, 519 Meherrin Lane, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438. Contributions can also be made online by visiting tmcfunding.com and searching for John Harrell.

Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Harrell family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.