WILMINGTON — Harvel Alexander Horrell Jr., 79, formerly of Hampstead, a retired captain with U.S. Air, “flew west” Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, while at the home of his daughter surrounded with love by his family.
He was born Nov. 28, 1940, in Burgaw, the son of the late Harvel Alexander Horrell Sr. and Ethel Mae Highsmith Horrell.
Harvel is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lucille B. “Lucy” Horrell; daughters, Martha H. Prosser, and her husband, Warren, and Levrah H. “LeAnn” Hall, and her husband, Larry; grandchildren, Justin Hall, Jordan Prosser, Jami Hall, Jackson Prosser, Sarah Prosser and Carisa Hall; great-grandchildren, Kaydence Anderson and Landin Williams; sisters, Annette Groves, and her husband, Wade, and Carolyn Lanier; brother, Samuel Horrell, and his wife, Debra; and many extended family and friends.
Harvel got his start in aviation while attending American Flyers in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Upon graduating in January 1967, he began providing flight instruction until being hired by Piedmont Airlines. He started his flying career in September 1968 and retired in 1994 from U.S. Air.
Harvel was a man of many trades and could do most anything with his hands. In addition to his passion for flying, he enjoyed building, painting, boating, fishing, hunting and cooking.
Following his retirement, he was an active member in his church, Faith Harbor United Methodist Church, and Piedmont Silver Eagles. He spent many mornings enjoying breakfast with his friends. “Pepaw” loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow into well grounded, loving individuals.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25, at Sea Lawn Memorial Park, 17750 US Hwy 17, Hampstead, with the Rev. William Hill Pearsall conducting the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Share online condolences with the family at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home.
