Clarence Burrell

Clarence William Burrell, 91, was promoted to his eternal home on March 24, 2017. He was born on May 1, 1925 and was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Doris Burnette Burrell, his parents, John Hugh Burrell & Mary Sawyer Burrell, four brothers and three sisters. Mr. Burrell was a tireless servant of God, country, state, community, church and family. He served his country as a Marine tanker in the WWII battle for Okinawa, during which time he survived having had 3 tanks disabled or destroyed under enemy fire. Honorably discharged on 1/2/46, with the rank Corporal, he went on to serve 10 years in the inactive reserves with both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. Following the War, he attended Central Wesleyan College (now Southern Wesleyan University) in Central, SC and United Television Laboratories in Louisville, KY from 1946 to 1951; he was the first to install TV's in Asheville, NC. From 1952 to 1981 he worked for the United States Postal Service—the last 26 years of which he held the position of Postmaster—first in Canton, NC and ultimately retiring from the Waynesville, NC office. He wholeheartedly gave himself to the volunteer services of many civic organizations and Christian ministries. He was a Boy Scout leader for 30 years during which time he received the coveted Silver Beaver Award in 1975 and the National Endowment James E. West Fellow Award from the Daniel Boone Council in 2003. He was a 32nd degree Mason and held his membership with the Pigeon River District 286 Lodge for 38 years, during which time he held the office of Secretary for 29 years. He held continuous service with American Legion Post 61 since 1952 and served as Commander and Adjutant. He served in the American Red Cross for 40 years, was a member of the Regional Blood Services Committee and personally gave 65 pints of blood. He served as President of the local United Way and volunteered with the Ham Radio Operator's Emergency Services Division during which time he earned his Extra Class license. He was a recipient of the Rotary Club's Paul Harris Award. A longtime member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), he received the 2002 – 2003 Lyle V. Storch Award and the 2014 Service Officer of the Year Awards for all three levels—Federation, Regional and National. He was recipient of both the Distinguished Service and the Young Man of the Year Awards from the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and later was presented the Citizenship of the Year Award. In 2000 he was awarded the Governor's Award for Meritorious Service as a Volunteer which was presented by Governor Hunt. In May, 2015, he was inducted into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Conferred by Governor Pat McCrory, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to outstanding North Carolinians who have a proven record of service to the State and is the most valued of honors and awards bestowed by the Governor. Additionally, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels (17 years) and Hospice (21 years). He served many years with The Gideons International, the Wycliffe Bible Society, Christian Believers Union and was frequently involved in prison and jail evangelistic outreach. Moreover, he assisted his wife in volunteer work with the Salvation Army; and, together, they routinely visited the convalescing in rest homes, nursing homes and hospitals. Throughout his entire adult life, he served the Church in many capacities, including Lay Leader & Lay Speaker (20 years), and was actively involved in Lay Witness Missions. He also served as Sunday School Teacher for 30 years with Morning Star United Methodist Church. He is survived by his four children: William "Randy" Burrell & wife, Brona, of Asheville, Jeffrey Burrell & wife, Lori, of Raleigh, David Burrell & wife, Melissa, of Maggie Valley and Sharon Candler & husband, Angelo, of Benson; three sisters: Shirley Arrington and her husband, Ralph, of Waynesville, Carolyn Conard and her husband, Bruce, of Sevierville, Tennessee, and Katherine Burrell of Cosby, Tennessee; one brother, Claude Burrell and his wife, Orpha, of Canton; 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Clarence Burrell's earthly pilgrimage was a life well-lived. His purpose in life was to serve; and, for that, he will be called great in the Kingdom of God. Jesus declared, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." His legacy, as confirmed by the countless testimonies of those who came within the scope of his influence, was the practical and relational living out of this biblical maxim. He is now at home with the One in whose name he rendered his service. Surely, he has already heard our Lord's invitation, "Well done, good and faithful servant . . . enter into the joy of thy Lord." Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home in Canton, NC, with his son, Jeff Burrell, officiating, along with Pastor Heath Davis and Reverend Nick Honerkamp. Burial will follow at Morning Star Community Cemetery with taps and presentation of the American flag by the U.S. Marine Corps. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. Friday, March 31 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Haywood County, 127 Sunset Ridge Rd., Clyde, NC 28721, (828-452-5039) and The Gideons International Haywood East Camp, PO Box 1204, Canton, NC 28716.

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