Charles Thomas Harrell

Charles Thomas “Tommy” Harrell, 80, of Hertford, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026 in his home. Tommy was born in Pasquotank County on Tuesday, October 30th, 1945, and was the son of the late Thurman Riddick Harrell and Ellen Faye Parker Harrell.

A proud 1968 graduate of NC State University, he was a farmer and loved feeding people all over, being especially known for his sweet corn. Tommy loved his family, friends, Wolfpack, and his hometown. He also loved fishing and was a member of the Hertford Lions Club; and past president of the Perquimans County Chamber of Commerce. He was a deacon and lifelong member of Great Hope Baptist Church.

Tommy served as President of the Jim “Catfish” Hunter ALS Foundation for 27 years, dedicating many years to advancing the fight against ALS. Through tireless advocacy, leadership, and service, he helped expand awareness, strengthen support for patients and families, and grow the Foundation’s reach and impact. Tommy’s work changed lives, and his legacy in the ALS community will endure for generations to come.

Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Sherry Harrell; a son, Jason Harrell and his wife, Tiffany of Acworth, GA; a daughter, Leah Robertson and her husband, Dennis of Hertford; a brother, Bobby Harrell and his wife, Deloris of Manteo; seven grandchildren, Samuel, Abigail, Hannah, and Matthew Harrell, and Parker Robertson and his wife, Summer of Mooresville, NC, Caroline and Peyton Robertson of Wilmington, NC;  and two nieces, Kate and Tess Harrell of Manteo.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 at 2:00 pm in Great Hope Baptist Church, 153 Great Hope Church Road, Hertford, and will be conducted by Pastor Greg Biggs. Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery, Hertford.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation, P.O. Box 47, Hertford, NC 27944. Please share a memory with the family via the Online Guestbook.