Charles "Gene" Allen Burrell, 72, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023. He was born in Bedford, VA on January 28, 1951 to the late Ruth Rebecca Sharpe Burrell and the late Walter Allen Burrell. He was preceded in death by his sisters Hester Marie "Ree" Robertson and Christine "Tina" Jones.

Gene received an education in Bedford, VA at Susie G. Gibson High School. Later in life he was employed by Bedford County Public Schools. He had a love for fishing and cars.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Kimberly McNeil (Kevin) of Roanoke VA, and sons Jeffrey Coles (Phil) of Ashton, MD, Tommy Heck (Brandy) of Bedford, VA, and Timothy Heck (April) of Bedford VA.

He is also survived by his sister, Odessa Jones of Laurel, MD; brother, James "Jimmy" Burrell of Silver Spring, MD and eight grandchildren, Kevin, Carrington, Zoe, Xander, Jacob, Lukas, Delanie and Hayden along with a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend an extra special thank you to his niece and caretaker, Carolyn Anderson.

Don't grieve for me, for now I am so free.

I followed the path that God laid f or me.

I took his hand when I heard his call. I turned my back and left it all.

If my pardon left a void, then fill it with remembrance and joy.

A friendship cherished, a laugh, a kiss. Oh yes there are things I too shall miss.

Lift up your heart and peace to thee. God wanted me, He set me free.

All pain and grief are over, every restless tossing passed

I am now at peace forever, safely home in heaven at last.

Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still.

Try to look beyond death's shadows; Pray to trust our Father's will.