GREENSBORO – Dr. Gladstone Harrell passed into the open arms of his Lord and Savior on July 30, 2017 at Wesley Long Hospital. He was a loving Christian example to his family, friends, and community.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Baptist Church, 1000 W. Friendly Avenue, Greensboro on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. The service will be conducted by Dr. Steve Pressley. Burial will immediately follow the service at Westminster Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 in the church parlor.

Gladstone was born on April 23, 1934 to the late N. Gladstone Harrell, Sr. and Ethel Futrell Harrell in Ahoskie, NC. He graduated from Ahoskie High School in 1952 and graduated from North Carolina State with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1956. After working as an engineer for nine years, he decided to make a career change. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill Dental School in 1969 after which he practiced dentistry in Greensboro for over 41 years showing great care for each patient.

He was an active member of First Baptist Church for over 60 years, teaching Sunday School for 12 years, and also serving as a deacon. His loves were his God, his family, his church, his work, and spending time outdoors. His hobbies included hunting, which he did in a very ethical way, reading, daily walks, and spending time with friends.

Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Rita, of the home; and sisters, Gay Britton (Pat) of Wilmington and Sharon Flenner of Tampa, FL. Other family members include nephews Wood Britton, and Russ (Catherine), nieces Jennifer Carlin and Amy Vucci as well as one great nephew, three great nieces, and many cousins.

The family would like to sincerely express their appreciation for all of the visits, thoughts, prayers, and compassion shown to Gladstone during his illness. Special thanks to Dr. Louis Diehl, Dr. James Kim, Dr. Bryan Bray and the ICU team at Wesley Long Hospital. Also, many thanks to caregivers Avius Moore, Jaime Kirby, Mary McMillan, and Georgette Koty.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church – Senior Adult Ministry or charity of one’s choice.

Gladstone was a humble, caring, soft spoken individual who touched the lives of many people and left this world a better place.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Harrell family. Online condolences may be sent to haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.