Harrell was raised on a tobacco farm with his 3 sisters. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the military. Harrell “Squirrel”, served for 6 years in the U.S. Army, ranking as Sergeant in the Special Forces (Green Beret). Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he attended High Point College, majoring in history. In 1973, he married his beautiful wife, Leah Hooker, and became a loving “Daddy” to Denise. He worked for Carolina Southern as a truck driver and dispatcher until he retired in 2013. He also had his own lawn care service and worked part time at Jamestown Park Golf Course. He was passionate about his family; always supportive, generous and loving. He deeply loved his music, animals(especially dogs), golf, history, and mowing grass. He was extremely intelligent, quite a storyteller, had an amazingly detailed memory and was known for his hilarious quick witted sense of humor.
Harrell was preceded in death by his parents Esker and Mildred Smith of King, NC and sister Rae Baker.
He is survived by his beloved wife Leah; daughter, Denise Hooker White (Bill); granddaughter Kellie Hooker; step granddaughter Meredith Highfill; step grandson Jon White (Joan); 2 precious twin great grandchildren; sisters, Pat Brady (Mike), Beth Upchurch (Steve); Godsons, Cliff and Clay Carmichael and many special nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Harrell’s Life will be Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Sechrest-Davis Funerals and Cremations High Point at 1p. Burial will follow at Guilford Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:30a-1p.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, St. Jude’s Hospital or Guitars 4 Vets.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sechrestdavisphillipsavenue.com for the Smith family.
