Robert Lee Harrell, Sr., 81, affectionately known as “Pop Harrell” transitioned peacefully on March 19, 2024, at JSUMC in Neptune, NJ. Robert was born on July 15, 1942, in Attapulgus, Georgia to the late Lloyd and Bessie Mae Harris Harrell, he was also son to the late Gurley and Maggie Lee Harrell Anderson.
Robert retired in 2005 from Monmouth County Head Start where he worked as a driver for 30 plus years. He delivered supplies to 26 centers throughout Monmouth County. At one point, he had also worked as a dedicated driver for Garden Pharmacy in Neptune. Driving is what he loved to do second to cooking. He loved to work with food and would always volunteer his services to any ministry in our church when they had an event. He also worked closely with his son Brian who is the CEO of Heavenly Eats Catering. While working at Head Start in 1979, Robert met his wife Donna and they married a year later, October 29, 1980.
Robert attended the Asbury Park school system. He had a love for sports and played football, basketball and ran track for high school. He was so excited when the opportunity came for him to coach his sons in these sports. And YES…he was a die-hard Giants fan! He loved his New York Giants!
Robert and his family have been members of Living Word Christian Fellowship Church since 1993. Robert served on the Men’s Ministry, Security, and the Senior Ministry. Currently their two sons Brian is a Deacon in the church and Richard is a Pastor.
Robert is predeceased by his parents, his daughter Cynthia Harrell, of Asbury Park, NJ and his brother Willie "Buster" Harrell of Neptune, NJ.
Surviving is his wife of 43 years Donna; children Robert Harrell, Jr. Hammonton, NJ, Michael Harrell, Eatontown, NJ, Annette Harrell (Timothy), Asbury Park, NJ, Brian Cook (Maritza) and Richard Harrell (Ayesha), Toms River, NJ; sisters Lorene Rogers, Neptune, NJ, Betty Vestal (Richard) Durham, NC, Cynthia Halley (Edward), Whigham, GA, Grace Arnett, Climax, GA, Sandra Anderson, Valdosta, GA, and Denise Thomas, Belmar, NJ; brothers Willie Gus Anderson, Whigham, GA, Rudolph Anderson, Henry Anderson, Neptune, NJ, and Michael Anderson, Thomasville, GA; 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
To the Family, so Sorry for Your Loss. May God continue to Bless the Family, for their, Loss. I went to Neptune High School with Robert.