Arnold Crandall Harrell

Arnie was a High School graduate and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp at age 18. He served in Vietnam, was stationed at Camp Lejuene, Cherry Point, Hawaii and Okinawa during his 20 year enlistment from 1953 until 1973 where he achieved rank of Captain. His specialty was Nuclear, Chemical and Biological warfare. During this time Arnie met the love of his life, Mary Lou, at the Drive-in at James City, NC, it was love at first sight. Arnie and Mary Lou had a four month courtship and were married on August 29, 1959. After his military service, Arnie was owner and operator of Granny's Donuts in Havelock and Morehead City, NC. His last 17 years of employment was with Terminix.

Arnie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Arnie was born to Vanara Reeves on May 4, 1935 in Black Alabama. Together, Arnie and Mary Lou had three children, Marc, Lauren and Christopher.

Arnie was a long time member of First Baptist Church, New Bern, NC. Arnie was a faithful servant. Over the years he served as Sunday school teacher and Deacon. He volunteered monthly with Religious Community Services, was Santa Clause for the kids, a member of Trent Woods CERT, served on Red Cross disaster relief and with Baptist Men where he served in Johnson City Tennessee, Mississippi and New Orleans. Arnie also served on mission teams in Alaska, Honduras, South Africa, Ukraine and Armenia. Arnie participated in local interfaith ministry through First Baptist Church upon the arrival of the Karen, Chin and Burmese refugees. He was "Grandpa" to many.

Arnie enjoyed sports -football, softball, golf and was a diehard Tar heel fan. He enjoyed boating, fishing and spending quality time with family and friends. Arnie never met a stranger, loved kids and had the most infectious smile and loving spirit. "To know him was to love him." Arnie is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Mary Harker Harrell, Daughter Lauren E. Harrell, Son Chris A. Harrell (Beth), two grand children Christopher M. Harrell, Kaitlyn M. Talvacchio and the beloved Har-Mar-Har's. Preceded in death by, Son Marc C. Harrell, Mother, Vanara R. Harrell and Brother (Joe) Richmond Paul Harrell. Arrangements are as follows:

Visitation: 6:00 - 8:00pm Friday, April 22, 2022

Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory

2201 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 28562

Funeral Service: 1:00PM Saturday, April 23, 2022

First Baptist Church

239 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28563

Family will receive friends during visitation, at the home and following the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Harrell family.