William J Harrell

William J. Harrell ("Bill"), 80, of Matthews, NC, passed away on March 25, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Bill lived a life rooted in service-first to his country, then to his profession, and to his family.

Born and raised in Edenton, NC, Bill graduated from John A. Holmes High School before proudly serving four years in the United States Air Force working on B aircraft. His time in the Air Force remained one of the great points of pride in his life, shaping his sense of discipline, responsibility, and patriotism.

After completing his service, Bill earned his degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. He began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant with Price Waterhouse in Charlotte, NC. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to cofound the accounting firm, Pierce, Harrell & Co., CPAs, with offices in Charlotte, NC; Rock Hill, SC; and Hilton Head, SC. Bill was a respected member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants.

Outside the office, Bill found joy on the golf course and on the water. He was an avid golfer who loved playing at Pine Lake Country Club, Firethorne Country Club, and courses throughout the Carolinas. His home at Ocean Isle Beach became the launching point for countless fishing adventures. A dedicated member and past president of the Charlotte Offshore Sportfishing Club, Bill combined his love of the outdoors with a commitment to conservation. He volunteered for years to protect marine resources, serving on advisory boards for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the NC Marine Fisheries Commission, and as chairman of Coastal Conservation Association–NC. His efforts reflected his belief that natural resources should be preserved for future generations of anglers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, O. L. Harrell and Beatrice Alexander Harrell, and his sister, Anne Izard. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sara Rivenbark Harrell; his son, Jeff Harrell and wife Erica of Seattle, WA; his daughter, Debbe Hendrix and husband Matt of Matthews, NC; and his grandchildren, Ethan Hendrix and Taylor Hendrix. His children and grandchildren brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Harrell of Fayetteville, NC; nephew, Brian Izard and wife Heidi of Northville, MI; and niece Sarah Moreno and husband Carlos of Houston, TX.