Fred Augustus Harrell

He was born December 23,1932 in Suffolk to Jesse and Hazel Harrell. One of two children, sibling, Mary Alice Grand. He graduated from Suffolk High School in 1951, where he served as Senior Class President and was very active in sports.

After graduation from Suffolk High School, Gus entered and graduated from the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. While in the Apprentice School, Gus played football for the Builders. He married Ann Garrett in December 1955, and together they raised three children.

Gus is now with his Lord in Heaven along with the love of his life Ann, who passed away May 18th of this year. Gus is survived by his sister, Mary Alice Grand; children, Cathy Blount (Tom), Wayne Harrell (Judy), Leslie Bryant (Jim); special niece, Aylene Lambiotte; brother-in-law, John Garrett, sister-in-law, Doris Muschek; seven grandchildren, Jason Earnhardt, Brice Earnhardt, Holly Payne, Dr. Ryan Harrell, Lindsey Hotmar, Dylan Bryant, Kate Bryant; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Gus worked for Newport News Shipbuilding and M. Rosenblatt & Son prior to retiring in 2003. He loved gardening, carpentry, wine making and especially taking his family and friends fishing down at the Outer Banks. He enjoyed hosting crab feasts in the backyard, sharing vegetables from his garden with friends, family and with those he delivered Meals on Wheels to, as well as special tastings of his wines.

Gus served on the founding committee to design, raise funds and build Northampton Pool. He served on the Pool’s Association Board for many years. He had a special gift for designing and building things and put it to use, making things for people to enjoy. From a full basketball court in the backyard, a deck that has seen its fair share of social gatherings, building furniture, to creating and making a very special Thanksgiving Blue Fish Tournament trophy. The Thanksgiving surf fishing week tradition at the OBX beach house held a very special place in his heart. He looked forward to catching up with our extended family, Cary and Barbara Spangler and children each year. He was also a lifetime member of the N.C. Beach Buggy Association.

Dad enjoyed spending time with his family especially when we celebrated his birthday in combination with a fun Christmas exchange game. His kind heart, gentle smile and sense of humor are gifts that will live in our hearts forever.

Due to current restrictions, the service and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels at paainc.networkforgood.com.