Pinetops –

Billy Harrell, age 74, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025 at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital in Tarboro, North Carolina. He was born in Edgecombe County on April 28, 1951, one of six children of Exum and Margaret Walker Harrell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Exum Marvin Harrell, Jr.

Billy grew up in Tarboro and became a well known face at The Daily Southerner office for forty-three years. He enjoyed his work as a typesetter and made many lasting friendships along the way. In his later years, he developed a love for karaoke and entertaining friends with his favorite Elvis tunes, including "If Everyday Could Be Like Christmas." Billy was a soft spoken, gentle soul who was kind and considerate. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his daughter, Michele McFalls and husband, Joe of Rocky Mount; brother, Harry Harrell of Surf City; sisters, Betty Hyman of Belhaven, Janet Weathersbee of Wendell, and Miriam Harrell Creech of Zebulon.

Billy will also be missed by his grandchildren, Dakota Silas McFalls, Levi McFalls and Chance McFalls; along with several nieces, nephews, other extended relatives and family friends.

A service to remember Billy and celebrate his life will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Davis-Little Funerals, 2129 Lawrence Circle, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Tarboro. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate the gift of various young saplings they will plant in Billy's memory.