The Reverend Lewis Calvin Harrelson

Reverend Lewis Calvin Harrelson was born to the late James Harrelson and Ida Norman on February 22,1950. He joined our Creator on July 3, 2025. His transition was sudden and unexpected by those close to him, but it is believed that God fully anticipated and welcomed his arrival, as he transitioned at Alamance Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends.
Reverend Harrelson was educated in Orange and Alamance County Schools and graduated (in its last year of existence) from Central High School in 1968 before furthering his education. He was employed as a supervisor at Lawrence Industries (later called Novaflex) until he retired after over 40 years of service. He was also employed as a supervisor at Orange County Parks and Recreation Department for decades.
Reverend Harrelson served God faithfully through gifts of helps, preaching, teaching, prophesy, and service. He prayed to God. He trusted God. He loved God. Most of his conversations would turn into one about the Lord. Reverend Harrelson was a long-time member of White Cross AME Church where he served as a Local Elder/Associate Minister, Sunday School Superintendent, Bible Study Teacher and Sunday School Teacher. He coordinated Friday night prayer services and served as the President of the Sons of Allen (Men's Ministry) whereas he would yearly spearhead a Multitude of Men program that included a feeding of the multitude. He has served as a member of the Gospel Choir as well as the Male Choir where his favorite song was "Your Grace and Mercy". He absolutely loved to sing lead or offer his deep baritone to the background. Reverend Harrelson was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He would often work in the church's garden and would assist with taking care of the church's lawn and cemetery. In addition to serving at his own church, every 4th Sunday, Reverend Harrelson would preach a word to the residents of Durham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and would often take special gifts to brighten their day.
Reverend Harrelson was an asset to his community. For example, for 28 years, Lewis served on the Board of the Efland Fire Department. He believed in taking care of his temple as commanded by God's Word, so he remained active. He attended New Millennium Fitness Center 5-6 days per week. He is known as a master athlete, gifted in many sports – basketball, softball, baseball, bowling, and horseshoes. He even excelled in the 2025 Senior Games in Raleigh NC. He and his brothers Bobby Harrelson and James Harrelson were known all around for their athletic ability – those Harrelson boys.
Reverend Harrelson loved to encourage others. He loved to post encouraging words on Facebook and daily, he would send hundreds of messages just to tell his friends and family good morning and good night – literally hundreds.
As hobbies Reverend Harrelson loved to garden, hunt, and fish and very few could fry fish like he could, which he would often do for his church and at the Harrelson family reunions.
Reverend Harrelson loved to dress up. He loved to stop by Divine Fashions so his good friend Billy Guy Poole could coordinate a fresh new suit with all the trimmings – preferably with a bow tie. And he has rocked all the latest hairstyles (sometimes he began to like the style after it was no longer so popular with everyone else.) He did his own thing– from a jerry curl, a low fade, a Kid 'n Play high top fade, to fresh corn rows.
Reverend Lewis C. Harrelson was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Thomas Ruffin, Eugene Ruffin, Monroe Ruffin, James Harrelson, and Bobby Harrelson.
Reverend Lewis C. Harrelson leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved daughters, Pastor Keisha D. Bluford and her husband Deacon Eric, Conswalia Chambers-Banks and her husband Derrick Banks; his grandchildren, Erica Bluford Ellerbe and her husband Patrick Ellerbe, Erice Bluford, Erin Bluford, Dayana Banks, Camdyn Banks, one bonus great grandson, Josiah Ellerbe, and one great granddaughter, Paisely Rose Ellerbe; five sisters Evangelist Mary Catherine Frazier, Ruby Edwards, Apostle Dr. Carolyn Denise Daniels-Taylor, Linda Norman, Prophetess Gloria Washington, and one Sister in Law, Sally T. Harrelson; two aunts, Vera Crisp and Annie Catherine Poteat; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on the day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Reverend Lewis C. Harrelson - Well done, good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of the Lord. Take your rest.
Services
Public Viewing/walk through
Wednesday
July 9, 2025
1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Sharpe Funeral Home, Inc,
520 Rosenwald St.
Burlington, NC 27217
Wake-with the Family present
Thursday
July 10, 2025
12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
White Cross AME Church
4604 Lebanon Rd
Efland, NC 27243
Funeral Service
Thursday
July 10, 2025
1:00 PM
White Cross AME Church
4604 Lebanon Rd
Efland, NC 27243
Interment following funeral service
Thursday
July 10, 2025
White Cross AME Church
4604 Lebanon Rd
Efland, NC 27243