Willis Ray Harrell (Ray), Age 81, of Cantonment, Florida passed away on May 23, 2026.

Willis Ray Harrell (Ray) went home to be with our Lord on May 23, 2026. Ray passed away at home surrounded by family after his courageous battle with lung cancer.

Ray was born in Rocky Hock, North Carolina to Cecil and Louise Harrell. He later proudly joined and served the United States Coast Guard, which is what brought him to Florida. Ray worked at the International Paper where he retired after 37 years of service.

Everyone who met Ray instantly felt a connection. His favorite past time was cooking (he loved to share his recipes) and fed anyone who walked through the door. You never left his house hungry. His family was his sole purpose on this Earth. He loved each and every one of his family members with his whole being.

Ray is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 45 years Diane Harrell, his brother Ronnie (Lynda) Harrell, his sister’s Mary Louise (Gerald) Phelps, and Connie Harrell, sister-in-law Aundra Harrell, his children Kim (Lucky) Hallford, Phillip (Jodie) Dunn, Mandy (David) Howard and Christian Sharpless, 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother Cecil and Louise Harrell, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Winston and Johnnie Sharpless, two brother’s Alvin Harrell and Larry Harrell, a very special brother-in-law Gerald Phelps and 3 nephews Stacy Harrell, Chase Bateman and Deacon Phelps.

A memorial service will be held Friday June 5, 2026 from 12-2 at Family-Funeral & Cremation located at 5627 North Davis Highway, Pensacola, FL 32503.