Norman Eugene “Gene” Harrell, 71, a resident of Bear Grass, passed away after an 18-month battle with cancer on Sunday, June 17, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family.

Gene was born on Aug. 13, 1940, the son of the late Mayo and Thelma Harrell. He grew up on a farm in Oak City. After graduation from Oak City High School, he went to work at the shipyard in Newport News, Va. In 1966, he went to work for  Weyerhaeuser in Plymouth, where he retired after working 36 years.

He had a zest for life and was a people person who never met a stranger. He loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. Gene enjoyed working in his yard, gardening, and trips to the beach. He was a member of Macedonia Christian Church in Williamston, Bear Grass Ruritan Club for 43 years, retired Bear Grass volunteer fireman, past Bear Grass Town Commissioner for 30 years and served on the Bear Grass School District Advisory Committee.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years Elizabeth H. Harrell of Bear Grass; son Norman E. Harrell Jr. and wife Dana of Wilson; daughter Beth Harrell of Bear Grass; grandchildren Javan Harrell and Josie Harrell of Wilson; brother-in-law Howard Harrison of Bear Grass; brothers Odell “Bo” Harrell of Oak City, Kenneth Harrell and wife Joyce of Bear Grass, Carl Harrell and wife Judy of Mechanicsville, Va., Jerry Harrell and wife Carolyn of Bear Grass, and sisters Faye Harrell Frederick and Lois Mae Harrell Thomas of Newport News, Va.; sister-in-law Shirley W. Harrell of Hampton, Va., and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Nina Belle Harrell, Marguerite Harrell Grant, and brother B.M. Harrell.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Macedonia Christian Church. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Martin Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the  Bear Grass Ruritan Club, P.O. Box 869, Williamston, NC 27892, or the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences to www.biggsfuneralswilliamston.com.