Charles Meacham Harrell, Sr., age 90, passed from this earth Thursday January 7, 2016 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center surrounded by the love and care of his family. He was born January 2, 1926 son of the late William Ross and Estelle Rochelle Harrell.

Charlie was born in the family home in Burgaw and lived his entire life in the town he loved almost as much as the large family which nurtured him. His schooling began at Burgaw High School and was continued at Edwards Military Institute in Salemburg, NC. As soon as possible he followed his brother Herbert into the United States Navy and served honorably in the South Pacific during World War II. His most positive memories of the war were boarding the Enola Gay, the airplane that dropped the first atomic bomb, during his stay on the island of Tinian and unexpectedly running into friends from Burgaw in Shanghai, China. After returning from the war, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with several other veterans from Burgaw where he developed a love of dancing, especially the Jitterbug.

In 1950 he met his future wife, a farm girl and registered nurse from Castle Hayne, on a blind date and, being a consummate southern gentleman, courted and married Loretta "Jan" Janicki, moving her to the big city of Burgaw. His father's death in 1951 pushed him to be owner and manager of the two oldest surviving businesses in Burgaw, Harrell's Department Store and Harrell's Funeral Home, positions he held from the age of 25 until he passed away.

The next year saw the birth of his first son Ross followed over a period of ten years by three more, Vernon, Meacham, and Herb. His passion for family and community propelled his leadership roles in government and civic service. After several years as the Burgaw Fire Chief, to the dismay and disbelief of his children, he resigned upon being elected Mayor of Burgaw. During this period he became a charter member of the Pender County Rescue Squad, a member of the Burgaw Rotary Club and the Burgaw Jaycees. Charles was a lifelong member of Burgaw Baptist Church. Several terms as Mayor led to many more on the Town Board of Commissioners. One of his most successful accomplishments was helping to establish and being a charter member of the Pender Progress Corporation which created Pender County's first industrial park. This resulted in the attraction of numerous successful businesses and hundreds of jobs which still benefit area residents today. For all the years of service to his community, in 2007 the governor conferred upon him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor given by the state of North Carolina.

His positive outlook on life lead him to be a lifelong sponsor and supporter of numerous community activities including the American Legion, the Lions Club, Pender High School Athletics, Pender High School Band, Pender Youth sports, and many more. He received an award for being a 30 year sponsor of the Burgaw Dixie Youth Sports League.

He is survived by four sons, W. Ross Harrell, Vernon Harrell and wife Michelle all of Burgaw, C. Meacham Harrell, Jr. and wife Cathy of Harleysville, Pa., Herbert Harrell and wife Julie of Burgaw; a daughter-in-law Rochelle Whiteside; ten grandchildren, Arwyn, Noah, Misha, Gabe, Robin, Calyx, Leah, Casey, Alex, and Jenna; two great-grandchildren, Jason and Kate; and a sister Victoria H. Teal of Burgaw; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 60 years Loretta "Jan" Harrell, three brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held Monday January 11, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Harrell's Funeral Home Chapel. The Reverend Doctor Ray Mendenhall will officiate. Burial will follow in Burgaw Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy. Visitation will be Sunday January 10, 2016 from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Harrell's Funeral Home.

The family encourages memorial gifts to Pender Memorial Hospital which Charlie valued and praised from its inception as an invaluable asset to our community. This institution was a source of comfort and healing for him and many members of his family. Mail to NHRMC Foundation 507 E. Fremont Street Burgaw, NC 28425. Please note Pender Memorial Hospital as recipient.