July 16, 2025, 51, Goldsboro —

Andrew “Andy” Michael Morrell, 51, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 4, 1973, in DeKalb, Illinois, Andy was the son of Michael Allan Morrell and Margaret “Peggy” Cornelis Morrell of Minnesota. From the very beginning, Andy was a farmer at heart. He spent countless hours as a young boy farming the living room carpet with his toy tractors and combines. He grew up working alongside his father on their family farm in Northern Illinois and found joy in every aspect of farm life—watering hogs, showing cattle in 4-H, and driving tractors through the fields.

After high school, Andy’s passion for hog farming took him to Pink Hill, North Carolina, where he pursued his dream of owning his own hog farm. It was there he met the love of his life, Valerie Amanda Morrell. They were married on October 17, 1998, and together built a life filled with hard work, love, and laughter. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Amanda and Jonathan.

Andy was dedicated not only to his family and farm but also to his community. For the past four years, he was employed with Enviva of Faison. Known for his strength, integrity, and endless determination, Andy approached every challenge with a positive attitude and resilient spirit. He had a generous heart, a quick wit, and cherished spending time with family and friends, often sharing stories and hearty laughs. A devoted Carolina Tar Heels fan, he rarely missed a chance to cheer on his team.

Andy’s life, though far too short, was full of purpose and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Andy is survived by his beloved wife, Valerie Amanda Morrell; his son, Jonathan Morrell of the home; his daughter, Amanda Morrell (Chase Kearney) of Snow Hill; his brother, Dan Morrell (Kelly) of Texas; and his sisters, Lauri Stroyan (Todd) of Texas, Katie Vellody (Kishore) of Pennsylvania, Megan Spychalla (AJ) of Minnesota, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.