Rudyard “Max” Harrill, 81, of Shelby died on Friday, February 18, 2011, at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville.  A native of Cleveland County he was the son of the late Zedekiah Alexander and Flu Retter Crowder Harrill.  Mr. Harrill was a member of Rehobeth United Methodist Church but also attended Hoyle Memorial United Methodist Church where he served as a lay leader and was a volunteer for the Shelby Presbyterian and John Knox soup kitchen for over twenty years.  Mr. Harrill was a dance instructor for Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios for many years.  He also served his country in the Korean War with the United States Air Force.

Along with his parents Mr. Harrill was preceded in death by two sisters, Pearl Wiggins and Dorcas Blackwell; one brother Haskill Harrill.

Mr. Harrill is survived by two nephews, Dale Elliott Wiggins wife Lois of Nebo, NC and William Lynn Blackwell wife Linda of Wilmington, De; one niece, Patricia Harrill English husband James of Monroe, NC.

A funeral service will be held at Rehobeth United Methodist Church at 3:00pm, Tuesday, February 22, 2011 with the Rev. Sean Turner and the Rev. Varanita Alvord officiating.  Receiving of friends will be from 2:00 – 3:00pm prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 500 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 or Rehobeth United Methodist Church, 2036 Rehobeth Church Road, Shelby NC 28152.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Harrill.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com