Marion Cephus Harrell, age 80, of Wilmington died Sunday, March 1, 2009 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter.

He was born June 1, 1928 in Pender County, the son of the late Alton Cephus and Inez Barnhill Harrell. He was also predeceased by his sister, Edith Woodcock.

Surviving are his wife, Jane C. Harrell; son Eddie Alton Harrell (Holly) of Kelly; step-daughters, Sharon Helton (Clark) of Wilmington and Donna Butler of Atkinson; grandchildren, Beth Lunsford (Harold) and Sam Helton; one great grandson, Mitchell Lunsford; sister, Marie Gafford Atkins (David) of Smithfield and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Harrell served his country honorably in the US Army during the Korean conflict. He was a member of Atkinson Baptist Church and was a longtime Bladen County farmer.

Marion was a man of integrity who was a great friend and neighbor; always helping others as long as his health permitted. A person always knew how things stood with Marion as he was very direct in his thought and speech. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandson, Sam, who was the light of his life. Cherished memories of Marion will forever remain in our hearts.

The family will receive friends 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw. Following the visitation the service will be at 11:00 a.m. at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with Mr. George Bowman officiating.

Burial will follow in Woodcock Cemetery, Atkinson.

Casketbearers will be Jack Turner, Mike Landon, Clark Helton, Sam Helton, Cary Rivenbark, and Robert Moore.

Marion's family would like to thank all of his faithful longtime buddies for their visits, many acts of kindness and most of all for their true friendship during his lengthy illness.

Memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 2222 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28401.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.