Adolphus Lee (“Big Al”) Harrelson, 83, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020. He was born in Lumberton, NC on March 9, 1936.

He is preceded in death by his parents, EV Harrelson and Nettie Burke Harrelson of Covington, VA.

“Big Al” was also preceded in death by his first wife, Vandora Thomas Harrelson Autrey and his second wife, Nell (“Big Nell”) Redwine Harrelson.

Al is survived by his siblings, Beverly Hines of Asheboro, NC as well as Ronnie Harrelson, also of Asheboro, NC.

Al has one son, Rickie G. Harrelson (Pat) of Marietta, GA, and two grandsons, Jason N. Harrelson of Marietta, GA and Jeremy D. Harrelson of Highland, NY. There is also one great-granddaughter, Kylie A. Harrelson of Marietta, GA.

Big Al and Big Nell were married for many years and together they raised Nell’s girls, Yolanda Bentley and Billie Jo Overstreet, as well as her granddaughters, Jessie Underwood, Lillian Bentley, Abigail Bentley, Kody Hardin, Isaac Overstreet, and Ephriam Overstreet. Most recently Al continued his love and care for Nell’s great-granddaughters, Hannah Underwood and Zoe McComb. All of the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren referred to Al as “Poppey”.

Big Al and Big Nell were pillars of the Ocean Isle Beach community. They are probably best known as the owners and operators of “Big Nell’s Pit Stop”. Al loved cooking up his pit cooked BBQ with his special secret sauce. There are many locals who frequent the “Pit Stop” daily, and it was loved by many visitors and tourists annually.

Al had a love for motorcycles and stock car racing, and he and Big Nell incorporated that love into the “Pit Stop”. He and Big Nell followed Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt faithfully and had a friendly rivalry that lasted a lifetime.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 11:00 am at Jennies Branch Baptist Church with Mark Smith officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.brunswickfuneralservice.com

Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte