James "Red" Ellis Burrell, Sr.

James Ellis "Red" Burrell, Sr., age 83, went to be with Jesus on Monday, January 15, 2018, at UT Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, surrounded by his children. He was born December 18, 1934 in Canton, North Carolina to the late Sidney Ellis Burrell and the late Lelia Frady Burrell. Red was the next -to-youngest son in a family of 13 children. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by 6 sisters and 4 brothers. Red is survived by his three children: Saundra "Sondy" Burrell Lunsford and her husband, Andy Lunsford of Newport, Tennessee; James "Jamie" E. Burrell, Jr. of Dandridge, Tennessee; Gregory "Greg" D. Burrell and his wife Linda, of Erwin, Tennessee. Also, he is survived by a brother, Lewin Burrell, Sr. and his wife Judy, of Canton, North Carolina; a sister, Loretha Sayles of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and 3 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, 1 great-grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews. At age 13, Red started working as an apprentice brick mason for his older brother, Leonard Burrell. Red was well-known across Western North Carolina, and East Tennessee as a multi-talented and successful contractor and Master Brick Mason, who thoroughly loved his work. Red perfected his craft for over 50 years, until he was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 65. After lung surgery he insisted "if he was physically able he would still be working". Red loved life and enjoyed making and listening to Bluegrass Music, watching Nascar Racing, and growing beautiful roses. In his younger years, he was the bass player for the award-winning bluegrass band, "The Carolina Country Boys" from Canton, North Carolina. He travelled extensively around the South and into Indiana to attend bluegrass conventions and competitions. He also enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. Red also served in the North Carolina Army National Guard, CO A 130th Signal Battalion as a Mess Sergeant, with rank of SP5, E5. He was honorably discharged in March 1963. Red had a God-given talent for connecting with people and making friends; this is how he built his 50 years Master Brick Masonry and contracting business, and established lifelong friendships with many of the people for whom he did masonry work and built homes. Red gave his life to Jesus at age 65, and was a member of Swannsylvania Baptist Church, Dandridge, Tennessee, where he was baptized. Red was a devoted father, and friend to many, and he will be forever remembered in the hearts of his children, family and friends who loved and respected him. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 20, 2018 in Manes Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Hensely officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm, prior to the service at Manes Funeral Home. Burial will follow services at Swannsylvania Baptist Church Cemetery. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangement by Manes Funeral Home.

James "Red" Ellis Burrell, Sr.

December 18, 1934 - January 15, 2018