Obituary of Bobby Harrelson

Bobby Harrelson Mr. Harrelson, 76, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 30, 2011 at CMC Mercy Hospital in Charlotte. Bobby was born March 17, 1935, in Tabor City, NC, son of the late J.D. and Mary Fowler Harrelson. He graduated from Tabor City High School Class of 1953 and was also a graduate of King's Business College in Charlotte. Bobby Harrelson, Quiet Birdman 20688 was a Good Fellow, a title bestowed via strict examination on Honorable Pilots, which enable him and his fellow Birdmen to be called Good Fellows. His aviation experience began in August 1959 at Carpenter Airport in Charlotte, and he enjoyed many years of his corporate career flying for Southeast Airmotive and Thurston Aviation, also in Charlotte. He held the following classifications of flying: Private & Commercial Pilot, Air Transport Pilot, aircraft single and multi-engine ratings, instrument rated. Prior to his retirement he reached over 7,000 hours of in-command flight time. His training experience included Boardman Aviation, Ft Worth Texas for instrument training and Airline Ground School, Wilmington, NC. Bobby was highly respected as a Good Fellow, good friend to all, and an honorable asset to the Aviation organization, and he was proud to be a member in good standing. His presence was always dependable in every call for support in any funeral or sickness of his fellow brothers of the Aviation community of Quiet Birdmen. Bobby enjoyed living on the river, gardening, and interacting with his hummingbirds. His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. Never meeting a stranger, Bobby had a good sense of humor and a quick wit. In addition to his parents, Mr. Harrelson was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Gayle Renee, and brother, Joel. Survivors include his daughters; Terrie Sanders and Gwen DeWaele and sons-in-law; Calvin & Shawn, grandchildren; Nic Ferri, Christian & Kelly Ferri, Paige DeWaele, one great-grandson; Sage Arjuna Ferri, step-son; Leon & Carol Rippy, and niece; June Harrelson. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 5, 2011 in the Dilworth Chapel of Hankins & Whittington. The family will receive friends following the service until 8:30 pm. There will also be a memorial service held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 7, 2011 at Inman Funeral Home Chapel in Tabor City, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bobby's name to the charity of donor's choice.