Dr. Robert Riddick Harrell, III, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, at age 79. A life-long resident of Suffolk, Bob was the son of the late R.R. Harrell and Virgie Eley Harrell. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pearl Blair Harrell; his daughter, Lynne Harrell Gentle and husband, David, of London, England; Anne-Collins Albimino and husband, Sam, of Blacksburg; and three grandchildren, Jacob Baxter Gentle, Aubrey Anne Albimino and Sophia Lynne Albimino. He is also survived by his brother, John Clifton Harrell and wife, Mary Lawrence Harrell, of Suffolk. He is predeceased by his son, Robert Riddick Harrell IV (Rob), and sister, Betty Anne Kyle.

Bob graduated from Virginia Tech in 1959 with a degree in mechanical engineering. After completing post-graduate work at Virginia Tech, he worked for NASA on the Mercury Capsule at Wallops Island. His decision to pursue a medical career followed, and he graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1965. While at MCV, he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He was then called to serve his country and spent two years as captain in the Army, where he received a Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service in Vietnam.

Upon returning from Vietnam, he completed his residency in urology at Norfolk General Hospital. He returned to his hometown of Suffolk, where he served as a urologist at Lakeview Medical Center from 1972 to 2007 and served as president for several years. He later practiced at Southampton Memorial Hospital from 2009-2014.

His funeral service will be held at West End Baptist Church on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. The burial will be private. A reception will be held at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rob Harrell Scholarship Fund at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy or to the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434, is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.