Charles Wesley Harrell, 79, of Naylor, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at South Georgia Medical Center. He was born on January 17, 1947, in Nashville, Georgia, to the late Wilbur Harrell and Nancy Ella Parrish Harrell.

Mr. Harrell was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he pursued higher education and dedicated his career to teaching. He taught in the Valdosta City Schools, Echols County Schools, and at Open Bible Christian School. In addition to his work as an educator, he was a minister, an avid genealogy enthusiast, a drummer, and an athlete.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Harrell of Naylor, Georgia; his daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Joey Ellis of Naylor; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Angie Harrell of Valdosta; and his grandchildren, Michael (Allie) Ellis of Fargo, Dakoda Ellis of Lakeland, Wyatt Ellis of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Presley Ellis of Naylor, Brayden Harrell of Valdosta, and Avery Harrell of Valdosta. He is also survived by his brother, Frank Harrell of Cookeville, Tennessee, along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Johnny Harrell, Jacky Harrell, and Debbie Harrell Browning.

A funeral service for Mr. Harrell will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Naylor Baptist Church, with Dr. Ernie Jones officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International at www.gideons.org/donate.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home is assisting the Harrell family during this time.