Bobby Ray Harrell, Jr.

Bobby Ray Harrell Jr., age 60, went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 31st, 2024. He was born February 25th, 1964, in Wilmington, NC to the late Bobby Ray Harrell Sr. and late Mary Ann Oosterwyk Harrell.

Bobby grew up in Wilmington and attended Temple Baptist Church with his family, where he participated in children's choir, youth activities and Sunday School. He always had a very curious mind, so it would be no surprise for his Mom or Dad to find him in the garage with the lawn mower in pieces, trying to figure out how it worked. He enjoyed spending time running around outside with his siblings and cousins, helping his grandparents in the yard, playing golf, bowling, and throwing the baseball. 

He had a 15-year career with the family business, Modern Laundry and Dry Cleaners. He could be found doing anything from picking up linens to getting his Master Dry Cleaning certification! He made every employee and co-worker feel loved and appreciated as if they were a part of the family. He was the same with everyone he met, no one was a stranger and he always made you feel heard and accepted. 

He attended New Hanover High School where he took an Automotive class that sparked his interest in cars. He found a fascination with paint and bodywork, becoming very skilled at his craft. This eventually led to him opening, owning, and operating Factory Finish Collision Center at 15 Jacksonville Street for 20 years! Over those years many family members worked with him to make the business very successful! He poured his heart and soul into any work he did and had one of the top body shops in Wilmington. Being customer oriented, Bobby made his clients feel comfortable about getting their car repaired at Factory Finish as he had an ability to make sure that every customer felt heard and appreciated as he provided a high standard of excellence! 

He was a lively, loving, friendly, quick witted, funny, honest, and well-loved man, father and brother. We could not have asked for a better man to call our Dad. He will forever be missed and loved!

Bobby is survived by his two children: Bobby Harrell III (Brooke) and Kyri Harrell; Granddaughter Ellie Williams; Sisters and Brother: Mary Jo Harrell, Deborah Harrell Roseman (Mark), and Hugh Harrell (Alyssa); Nephews: Travis Allen and Evan Harrell; Nieces: Alicia Allen Chase (Perry), Natalie and Meredith Harrell. 

The family will receive friends from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Saturday June 8th, 2024, at Temple Baptist Church with the funeral service being held at 3:00pm Sunday June 9th, 2024, at Temple Baptist Church by the Rev. Ray Frazier. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers, please feel free to donate to Temple Baptist or Lower Cape Fear Life Care.