WILMINGTON — Charles Matterson Harrell, fondly known simply as Charles, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, in his hometown of Wilmington, NC. Born on June 13, 1941, Charles embraced life with a vibrant spirit, living fully and wholeheartedly for 85 remarkable years.
A man of many talents and unwavering dedication, Charles built his life around his passion for automobiles. As a self-employed businessman, he became well-known throughout the community for his successful auto sales business and his extraordinary skill in restoring antique automobiles. He was a perfectionist in everything he did — meticulous, precise, and deeply committed to his craft. Charles didn’t just restore cars; he revived history, beauty, and soul. He even built race cars and raced them, pouring his heart into every detail. Fittingly, he passed away doing what he loved most, surrounded by the world of automotive restoration that had defined so much of his life.
Charles was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James Matterson Harrell and Annie Mae Moore Harrell, and by his siblings: Milton Ray Harrell, James Fredrick Harrell, and Launa H. Sykes.
He leaves behind a devoted and loving family who cherished him deeply. Charles is survived by his wife of 67 years, Linda Peterson Harrell, with whom he built a beautiful life rooted in loyalty, laughter, and love. Together they raised three sons: Kenneth Ray Harrell (Nancy), Charles Alan Harrell (Kimberly), and Bryan Keith Harrell (Jeannie). Charles was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren — Brandy, Casey, Annie, Jessy, and Megan — and a doting great-grandfather to Bailyn, Cody, Jax, Auden, Finn and Cross. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he loved them fiercely.
Charles will be remembered not only for his craftsmanship and work ethic, but for the extraordinary man he was. He was very wise, very opinionated, and extremely compassionate about everything he did. He had a big heart — the kind of heart that would give the shirt off his back to help someone, never expecting anything in return. He lived generously, loved deeply, and carried himself with a spirit that inspired everyone around him. And in true Charles fashion, he always had a way of keeping folks in line with his signature phrase: “You better behave yourself.”
Charles’s legacy is one of devotion — to his family, his craft, and the countless people whose lives he touched. His spirit, his generosity, and his love will continue to guide and inspire those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
