Memorial Service: 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 5, 2017
Location: Weymouth Funeral Home Chapel
Samuel Wilson Harrell, 88, of Newport News, Va. passed away Monday, July 24, 2017. Wilson was born to Dr. Charles Lydon Harrell and Lela Wilson on October 2, 1928 in Norfolk, Va. He was raised in Norfolk and attended Augusta Military Academy in Staunton, Va. and Randolph Macon College. Wilson also served in the United States Navy where he was most proud of serving on the USS Oriskany. He was fond of his time spent in the Mediterranean. December 15, 1950, he married the love of his life, Betty Sue Barnes and remained married until her death on September 27, 2012. In the late 1960’s, Wilson was introduced to the music business when his son formed a band called the Warlords. He then started his own business (Check Productions, Inc.) managing numerous local bands. After retiring, Wilson decided to pursue another life-long dream which was model railroading. He started Hobby Loads where he made coal loads for HO gauge model trains and traveling to various train shows. He thoroughly enjoyed his Wednesday night train club meetings and the new found friendships.
He is survived by his daughter, Claire (Harrell) Haislip; son-in-law, Frank Haislip; and grandchildren, Sean (Lauren), Ian and Lexis Harrell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Sue; and his son, Samuel Wilson Harrell, Jr.
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted at 3:00 pm, Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Weymouth Funeral Home by Rev. Dennis Worsham. Interment will be held at a later date in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Donations may be made in honor of Wilson Harrell to the Animal Aid Society, 80 Butler Farm Rd, Hampton, VA 23666. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.