William Carter Harrell

Escondido - It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of William Carter (Bill) Harrell, a beloved father, brother, and friend, who left us peacefully in Escondido, California, on June 29, 2025, at the age of 78.

Bill was born in San Antonio, Texas, on January 31, 1947, to Larena Fay Anderson and William George Harrell. Bill graduated from Hollywood High School, Cal State Long Beach, and California Western School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate.

After high school, Bill joined the US Marine Corp, served a tour of duty in Vietnam, and completed his service at 29 Palms Marine Base. After completing college, he moved to La Quinta, California. He enjoyed many years living in the desert and raised his family there. Later, he moved to Fort Pierce, Florida, to be with his mother and reuniting with his brother Gary. As his health deteriorated, he moved back to California to join his daughters. In Escondido, he spent the past three years getting to know his two granddaughters, who brought joy to his life.

Bill was a man of principle who always advocated for the underdog and stood up for what he believed in. His compassion was matched only by his sense of humor and a love for nature and learning. He loved to read, cook, eat great food, explore, hike, camp, boat, fish, and travel back roads. He had an amazing memory and could relate tales of every trail he traveled in his orange Volkswagen Thing and later his Alaskan Camper throughout the Southwest and Baja, California.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Gail Harrell Dodson. He is survived by his daughters, Becky Golden-Harrell (Daniel Solis) of Escondido, Bella Golden of La Quinta; his granddaughters Genevieve and Celeste Solis of Escondido; his brother Gary (Sandra) Harrell of Florida; his sister Christie Lee Harrell (Dominique) Denton; and ex-wife Susan Golden.

There will be a celebration of life to remember good times with Bill at Mission Bay Women's Club on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Any memorial gifts may be made to Sierra Club.