Philip Rex Harvell

Philip Rex Harvell, 89, of Wake Forest passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026 after a brief illness. He was born January 25, 1937 in Wake County to the late Luie Walker Harvell and Joseph Carr Harvell.

He was a 1956 graduate of Fuquay High School, attended NC State University and was a graduate of Campbell College.

He began his long career with First Citizens Bank in 1962, where his first role was managing as Assistant Vice President the Raleigh branch at North Hills Shopping Center when it operated out of a trailer while the new branch was being constructed. He was active in branch banking, traveling across the state to set up First Citizen Bank branches and offices, which allowed him to develop close friendships all over the state. While serving as City Executive in the downtown Raleigh office, he was involved in business development and marketing projects. He enjoyed participating in many community activities including the Chamber of Commerce, the Heart Association, and fundraising for the North Carolina Community Foundation and Ravenscroft School. He also served as director of the North Carolina State Humanities Foundation from 1979-1983.

He spent 38 years with First Citizens Bank and after transferring to Wilmington, North Carolina as Regional Vice President of Corporate Development he retired in 2001.

Phil was known for his impeccable style, fun personality and people skills that caused him never to meet a stranger. He loved playing golf on many of the courses around the state, participating in numerous charity golf tournaments at North Ridge Country Club, Landfall and many others.

He loved to travel and the beach was his favorite place, especially the years he spent in Naples, Florida after retiring.

His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, attending their sporting events and listening to one play the guitar. They affectionately called him Pops and Grandbucky, after his childhood nickname.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Hazel Harvell Roth, and son, Jason Philip Harvell.

He leaves behind Sharon Kenan Harvell, his wife of 52 years, daughter Lauren Harvell Bell (Randy) of Rolesville, North Carolina and three grandchildren, Kenan Harvell, Kenan Bell and Jameson Bell.

After a private family service, a reception will be held June 1st from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh NC.

The family would especially like to thank Transitions Life Care and Avendelle Care Home for the compassionate and loving care shown to Phil in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Phil’s memory to Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle Raleigh, NC 27607.

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