It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Herbert Harrell, who passed away peacefully on April 4, 2023, at his home in the company of his family and his beloved dog, Bonnie. He was 84 years old.

Herb was born on May 24, 1938, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He earned a B.A. degree in history from Duke University where he met his future wife, Margaret “Dale” Penrose. Later, he earned an M.A. degree in history and education from the College of William and Mary. Herb and Dale were happily married for over 63 years and together established deep ties to the community of Great Bridge, where they raised their family.

Herb dedicated more than 30 years to teaching history and working in adult education in the Norfolk Public School System at both Maury and Booker T. Washington High Schools. His impact as an educator and administrator touched countless lives.

Throughout his life, Herb was passionate about history and enjoyed touring American battlefields with family and friends. He was a long-time member of the Hampton Roads Civil War Roundtable and spent much of his life researching, interpreting and helping to preserve local history. Over the years, he developed a deep, specialized expertise in the Civil War Battle of Roanoke Island.

Herb also enjoyed spending summers in Nags Head, North Carolina, which was a cherished family gathering place. Herb was a skilled do-it-yourself handman who enjoyed fixing things around the old Harrell family cottage and was always eager to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.

Herb was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who provided unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance to his family. He will also be remembered fondly by those who knew him for his kindness and generosity.

Herb is survived by his loving wife, Dale Harrell of Chesapeake VA, his brother, Woody (Cynthia) Harrell of Corinth, MS, his daughter Kathy (Jeffrey) Babin of Philadelphia, PA, his son Bud (Anne) Harrell of Annandale, VA, and his grandchildren, Drew Babin of Washington, D.C., Liza Babin of Los Angeles, CA and Carter Harrell of Charlottesville, VA.

A memorial service to celebrate Herb’s life will be held on Saturday, April 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Great Bridge United Methodist Church at 201 Stadium Drive in Chesapeake, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Battlefield Trust (www.battlefields.org), an organization dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlefields.

Finally, the family would like to extend a special thanks to Wings Over Viriginia Hospice (www.wovhospice.com) for the extraordinarily compassionate and loving care they provided Herb in the final days of his life.