Robert William Harrell

Entered into eternal rest on the morning of September 3, 2010.  Robert "Bob" William Harrell, Sr., husband of Charlotte Davis Harrell.  Residence, Charleston, SC.  The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Robert William Harrell, Sr. are invited to attend the funeral services of the former on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Northbridge Baptist Church.  Interment, Live Oak Memorial Gardens.  Friends may call at J. Henry Stuhr, West Ashley Chapel Sunday 5-7PM.

Bob Harrell was a successful man in every sense of the word through his faith, family, public service and business.  He is a true American success story who attests to the fact that a person can obtain their dreams through hard work, even from the most humble of beginnings.  He was orphaned at birth and grew up in Rockingham, NC, raised by his maternal grandparents, Walter and Myrtle Wright.  After turning down a college music scholarship, he began his career selling shoes in Phillips Shoe Store where he met the love of his life, Charlotte Marie Davis.  They were married in 1955 and began a successful life together.  He excelled in business after starting with nothing, but his will and determination, and built an incredibly successful and multifaceted career.   He worked for Southern Bell for six years and opened a State Farm Insurance Agency in 1963.  A few years later, he began his development career building houses and commercial properties throughout the Charleston area.  He and Charlotte opened Charlotte Harrell's Shop gift stores in 1970.  They built a successful pecan and candies business, Harrell Farms, in his later years. 

He had a deep and abiding faith in God, which was clear to those who knew him, and sustained him throughout his days.  He was a long time member of Northbridge Baptist Church in Charleston where he served as Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent.  His interest in public service began as a young man when he served in the Jaycees, and continued throughout his life.  He served three terms as the Highway Commissioner from the First Congressional District. He was particularly proud to see the completion of the Cooper River Bridge replacement during his time in office.   Throughout his life, his first priority was family.  He made sure they knew they were loved and took great pride in their accomplishments.  He and Charlotte raised three very successful and happy children.

He is survived by his wife, of Charleston, SC;  three children and eight grand children , Robert W. Harrell, Jr. and his wife Cathy (Trey and Charlotte) of Charleston, SC;  Dr. Lea Harrell Kirkland and her husband Dr. Steve (Maggie, Ellen and Mitch) of Winston-Salem, NC;  and John Davis Harrell (Jessica, Davis, and Elizabeth) of James Island, SC.

Memorials may be made to Northbridge Baptist Church, 1160 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407.