Born to George and Lula OBriant Ferrell on Nov. 30, 1918, Ferrell lived his entire life in the Carpenter Community, excluding four years he served in the US Army where he rose to the rank of Sergeant during World War II. A veteran of the European Theater of operations, he received 5 Battle Stars and the Legion of Merit while serving his country in Pattons 3rd Army, 4th Armored Division. As a proud World War II veteran, he enjoyed speaking to school groups about his service and was recently inducted into the Order of Saint George, an armored fraternity of servicemen.

After his Army career he lived life as a farmer, real estate broker, and began a 40 year insurance career first with Farm Bureau as Agency Manager and then John Hancock Mutual Life, a practice he officially retired from at age 85. Ferrell was a Free Mason for over 50 years. He was a member of the Green Level Masonic Lodge #277, The Amran Shrine Temple, The Scottish Rite, and the York Rite.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Louise Harward Ferrell; son, Charles Matthew Ferrell of the home; daughter, Renee Spell and son in law Jesse of Cary; grandson, Daniel Larson Spell and his wife Nicole of Whitsett; and granddaughter, Megan Brittney Spell of Cary, who were a constant source of pride and joy for their Papa. Also surviving are his sister, Hilda F. Carpenter of Cary, sister-in-law Betty Lou Ferrell, three nephews, one niece, five great nephews and four great nieces.

In addition to his parents, Ferrell was preceded in death by a daughter Mary Frances in 2006, brother Omer G. Ferrell, baby sister Alene, and brother-in-law Roland E. Carpenter.

The family will greet visitors at the Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St. in Apex from 3-5 pm on Sunday, Aug. 30 and welcome friends at other times at the home on 1912 Carpenter Upchurch Road, Cary, NC.

A celebration of Mr. Ferrells life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31 in Good Hope Baptist Church where Mr. Ferrell was a lifelong member. Rev. Keith Vaughn and Rev. Robert L. Weatherspoon, Jr. will officiate the services. Burial with Military Honors and Masonic Grave Rites will follow in the Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests your consideration of a donation in Millards name to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, Inc., 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27567, or to The Childrens Ministry of Good Hope Baptist Church, 6628 Good Hope Church Road, Cary, NC 27519. Online condolences may be made at www.apexfuneral.com.