May 20, 2026, 79, Mount Olive – Michael Kent Harrell, age 70, a lifelong resident of the Thunder Swamp Community left his dementia-stricken body to receive his new body to forever live with the Lord with his family by his side. He was the son of the late Jimmy Harrell and Rose Harrell and the middle of three children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Rosemary Lutcavage; special niece, Amber Overman Pierce; his grandparents, Daniel & Lillian Harrell and Ballard & Reba Sutton; along with his aunt Joan Roberson and a special uncle, Gene McCullen.
Mike was a simple man that loved life and loved his family. He was one to make you laugh and was a little mischievous. Mike was a faithful member of Thunder Swamp Pentecostal Holiness Church where he attended for 70 years. He was a member of the choir, men’s ministry, a Sunday school teacher, a Deacon and member of the board of directors. Alongside his wife, they were head of the youth group for many years. Mike was a member of the NCIPHC where he was an ordained minister and enjoyed speaking at churches. He was also a Veteran of the US Army National Guard.
Mike had many hobbies, but his passion was singing. As a young boy he would sing for hours and hours; loving Elvis Presley and The Beatles. In March of 1988 he committed his life to Christ and began singing at churches, weddings and funerals. Mike’s signature song was “The Anchor Holds”, which truly, the anchor brought him and his family through this difficult time these past three years.
In addition to singing, Mike’s hobbies were reading and deer hunting. He loved nature and getting in a deer stand early in the morning. Reading the Bible and watching nature was so awesome to him. He enjoyed traveling with his family and closest friends to many places. He was formerly a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Mike worked as a young boy with the family business, Harrell’s House Moving Company, until 1988. He then began a career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation as a sign technician. He retired in 2016 after 28 years of service.
A service to celebrate the well lived life of Mike Harrell will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Thunder Swamp Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Paul Evans and Rev. Jeff Bartlett officiating. The family will remain to visit with friends and family in the church fellowship hall. A committal service will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:00 am at Wayne Memorial Park.
Mike leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 46 years, Patricia Herring Harrell; his two sons, Aaron Harrell and Adam (Casey) Harrell; a precious grandson, Carter Brock Harrell; a brother, Jimmy Ballard “J.B.” (Jennifer) Harrell; two brothers in law, Dr. Gregory Lutcavage and Chris Herring; his father and mother in law, Rev. James & Doris Herring; a special aunt, Minnie Mae McCullen; a nephew, Jason Harrell; all of his cousins and special friends, Mike & Bea Odom and Tony & Bobbie Best.
The family is so thankful for the Thunder Swamp PH Church family; along with the Gentiva Hospice and their team; Nikki Wolfe and Megan Best Gonzalez for their excellent care provided to Mike and our family during this time. Also, to his full-time caregiver, Bill Garris, who was a Godsend; we could never have anyone that gave him the love and care you provided. We are very grateful for Mike’s in-laws, James & Doris Herring who were always there doing what needed to be done. Terry and Kelly Kornegay, thank you for always being there when we needed you.
Flowers are welcome and memorial contributions may be directed to The Thunder Swamp Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1519 Thunder Swamp Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365 or to the St. Jude Childrens’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the Harrell Family, and online condolences may be sent via www.shumate-faulk.com
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