AHOSKIE, NC ‑ James Robert “Robbie” Harrell, age 40, affectionately known to many as “Turtle”, passed away on January 16, 2020 at the Vidant Medical Center of Greenville, NC.

Mr. Harrell was born in Hertford County, NC, on January 15, 1980 the son of John “Johnnie” Robert Harrell and Joyce Wiggins Harrell Pearce.

Jame was a man who loved hanging out with his friends, fishing, and most of all playing with his beloved nieces and nephew.  He loved all animals, but especially his cats.  James was employed with Hunt’s enterprises, Inc. as a Work Zone Safety Supervisor from 2016 until early 2019.  While he was there he worked in various counties such as Nash, Johnston, Wayne, Carteret and Halifax just to name a few.  He worked closely alongside NCDOT to ensure that roadway construction on his sites was completed in a timely and most importantly, safe manner.  He led multiple crews and was one of the best at what he did.  His fellow employees enjoyed having him work with them and be a part of their family.  His positive and hardworking attitude, and amazing sense of humor will be greatly missed.  We will always love our “Turtle”.

Along with his parents, left to cherish his memory is his sister, April Marie Pearce of Ahoskie, NC; maternal grandfather, William Earl Wiggins of Ahoskie, NC; uncle, James Wiggins and wife, Kelly of Boone, NC; two nieces, Isabella Nicole Byrum and Gracelynn Roseann Faith Byrum; nephew, Ethan Butch Byrum; two cousins, James Brandon Beers, and Bonnie Sue Holland; and step father, Keith Simons of Ahoskie, NC.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 20, 2020, from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Garrett‑Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie, NC and other times at the home of his grandfather, William Earl Wiggins.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at 2:00 pm at the Garrett‑Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, with Rev. Dr. Wallace Phillips officiating.  Burial will follow in Ahoskie Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome and memorial contributions may be made directly to the family to help with unexpected final expenses; or you may donate online by clicking here

Garrett‑Sykes Funeral Service ‑ Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Harrell family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.