Rev. Charles Eugene Burrell Jr.

Superintendent (Supt.) Charles Eugene Burrell, Jr. was born October 18, 1927, in Raton, New Mexico. He was the first of 6 children born to Charles Sr. and Willa Burrell. Supt. Burrell was an adventurous young man known for always being into something. He was blessed with the gift of speech and leadership. He gave his life to Christ at a very young age and loved the Lord but was not exempt of worldly challenges.

In 1942, the Burrell family moved to Colorado and became members of Evangelist Temple COGIC where his father served as Deacon. Being a “no-nonsense” man, Deacon Burrell told his son he must finish school or join the Army. Supt. Burrell chose to enlist and serve in the Army from 1945 to 1949, where he served a tour in Germany. Upon his return, in 1950, he was arranged to marry Berlene Ashley, daughter of Elder and Sister G.E. Ashley of Mount Zion COGIC. Three daughters were born to this union, Sharon Renae, Dianna Lynn and Andrea Devon. Although the marriage ended, it was at Mount Zion COGIC where he learned to fully utilize his gifts. Supt. Burrell was later ordained and named the Assistant Pastor of Mount Zion COGIC under Elder Ashley. He was also employed as a diesel mechanic at Eversman Manufacturing and later retired from Wells Fargo as a courier.

In 1965, Supt. Burrell married the love of his life, Josephine Estrado Hollowell. Their union created a blended family to include Josephine’s six sons whom he loved and cherished as his own. They became members of Holy Trinity COGIC where Supt. Burrell experienced a new awakening, prompting him to study the word and theology stronger than ever. As a bi-vocational minister of the gospel with a passion for evangelism, he united with Progressive COGIC under the late Bishop C.L. Bryant, where he faithfully served as associate minister, then Assistant Pastor and earned the rank of Elder before relocating to Texas.

On January 28, 1996, Bishop Bryant appointed Supt. Burrell as the Senior Pastor of Taylor Memorial COGIC in Dallas, TX. He was later appointed Superintendent of the Powerhouse District on December 3, 1997. After proving himself faithful over the assignments entrusted to his hands, God saw fit to further expand his ministry assignments and on May 7, 2004 Supt. Burrell was appointed Senior Pastor of Wayside COGIC in Kilgore, TX. In 2005, Supt. Burrell incurred life threatening injuries resulting in bleeding on the brain which required surgery. Over the years, he would encounter many additional health challenges but never once complained. His personal needs during his last years were overseen by his nephew Elder Dannie Burrell and wife Marilyn Burrell.

He leaves to cherish his memory daughters Dianna Burrell and Andrea Hayes; step-sons Jerry Dickens, Benny, William and Rodney Hollowell; sisters Bernice Greene and Joyce Proctor; brothers James and Kenneth Burrell; 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Supt. Burrell was preceded in death by wife Josephine, daughter Sharon, sister and Missionary Dorothy, step-sons Stanley Hollowell and Carlos Estrada (aka Leonard Williams), step-grandson Dominic Estrada and great-granddaughter Kennedy Gray.