COMO – Wallace Marvin Worrell, Jr., 80, retired postmaster and farmer, passed away at Southampton Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, following a long and hard fought battle with numerous health issues.

He was born March 19, 1931, on his family farm in Como to the late Wallace Marvin Worrell and Dona Whitley Worrell. He attended Como Elementary School and graduated from Murfreesboro High School in 1949.  He then completed the business program at Chowan College (now Chowan University).  He was united in marriage on November 24, 1956, to Sarah Elizabeth Morris in Edenton.

He worked as a farmer, land surveyor and bookkeeper in his early career.  After many years as the bookkeeper for Steinhardt Goodwin in Franklin, VA he accepted a position with the U.S. Post Office Department (now US Postal Service) in 1964 and was later appointed Postmaster of the Como office by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966.

While the majority of his service was with the Como Post Office, he also served in temporary assignments in Rocky Mount and Conway.  He was named Postmaster of the Year in his district multiple times as well as the “Green Howell” award for outstanding community service.  He was also very active in National Association of Postmasters (NAPUS) where he served as the NC President.  He retired from the US Postal Service in 1998.

He was a lifelong member of Sunbeam Baptist Church where he served as a trustee, deacon, organist, Sunday school superintendent, treasurer, and choir director.  For over 60 years, he was instrumental in leading the church in their membership growth, building expansion, and program development.

As a member of the Como community he was a charter member of the Como Ruritan Club which started in 1962 where he served in many capacities including Club President and District Governor.

He also served as a volunteer on the Como Rescue Squad from 1976 – 1984.  He was instrumental in laying the groundwork and acquiring the funding for the Mary Camp Walker Fire and Emergency Medical Services facility expansion in 1998.

Marvin was also a major supporter of the Hertford County Department of Parks and Recreation, the Hertford County Educational Foundation, Murfreesboro Historic Association, Southampton Agriculture & Forestry Museum, the 4-H Club and the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, 32^nd degree.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sarah Morris Worrell (Como); his sons, Martin Keith Worrell (Greensboro) and Steven Woodrow Worrell (Greensboro); and daughters-in-law, Kim Matheson Worrell (Steve’s wife) and Tammy Adams Worrell (Keith’s wife).  Survivors also include two granddaughters, Sarah Lane Worrell and Elizabeth Ann Worrell; two grandsons, Steven Woodrow Worrell, Jr. and Matheson Greenwood Worrell; and three step grandsons, Steven Bryan Coble, Adam Christian Coble and Samuel Bayne Coble. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Spurgeon Woodrow Worrell, Morris Riddick Worrell and Kenneth Jordan Worrell; one sister, Nancy Worrell Mowery; and three nephews, Robert Wallace Worrell, Morris Riddick Worrell, Jr. and Thomas Marvin Mowery.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2011.  The day will begin with a private graveside service for all family members conducted at the Worrell Family Cemetery at 11 a.m. followed by a 12 noon lunch for family at the Sunbeam Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.  Then at 2 p.m., the public is invited to a “Celebration of Life” service at the Sunbeam Baptist Church sanctuary located at 31226 Sunbeam Road, Franklin, VA 23851.  At the end of this service, the family will then receive friends for visitation in the Fellowship Hall.

Pastors officiating will be Hoyle B. Green, Willis H. Switzer, and Kenneth W. Williams

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Como Ruritan Club or Sunbeam Baptist Church.

We would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, technical specialists, and other medical staff over the years for their dedication, kindness and support.

Condolences can be sent to Marvin’s Facebook at www.facebook.com.  Search on “Tribute to Marvin Worrell (1931-2011).

Wright Funeral Home is assisting the family.  www.wrightfuneralhome.org