Robert Lee Harrell, Jr. of Southern Pines, NC died on March 18, 2026.
He was born in Pinehurst, NC, in 1951 to Robert Lee Harrell and Hazel Tutor Harrell.
He grew up in Raeford, NC, and left in 1972 to become a NC State Trooper. He was assigned to Smithfield, NC, and then transferred to Southern Pines, NC, and served the State for 30 years. After retirement, he served 12 years with the Moore County Sheriff’s Department as a bailiff.
He loved to talk of his days on the Highway Patrol, visit with friends and eat burgers with his Sunday School buddies. He enjoyed watching Westerns in his recliner with his two dogs, Dixie & Grace, by his side.
Our family is eternally grateful to know that Robert will spend eternity in heaven because he gave his heart to Jesus on 8–25–09.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Baker Harrell, of 53 years; daughter Mandy Luck and husband, Jonathan; Lesley Craven and husband, Josh; two grandchildren, Cullen Craven and Landry Craven, as well as his sister, Lynne Harrell Madden and husband, Mark, along with their children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines, NC.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Aberdeen, NC.
Burial will be at the Raeford Cemetery in Raeford, NC, following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or to the NC Troopers Association Caisson Unit, PO Box 840, Summerfield, NC 27358.
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
