Huel Birton Pastell

Huel Birton Pastell, a native of Graham County, tranquilly passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN.

Huel was the son of the late Julia (Jordan) Pastell and Abraham Lincoln Pastell of Robbinsville, NC.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Ruby (Ditmore) Pastell  (March 24, 2025) and son David Pastell (July 11, 2008); sisters Marie (Postell) Moore (July 9, 2021), Madeline (Postell) Garner (May 9, 2021) and Bonnie Jean Postell (March 26, 1934); brothers Okla “Ray” Postell (December 18, 1981) and Daniel “Bright” Postell (October 9, 2011); and nephews Andrew Jackson “Jacky” Moore (July 15, 2007) and Edward Abraham “Eddie” Rogers (September 26, 1980).

Huel is survived by his grandson, Bobby Huel Pastell, and his great-grandson Maddox Pastell of Robbinsville, NC; sister, Dawn (Postell) Hamiliton of Robbinsville, NC; nephews, Walter (Jane) Postell of San Francisco, CA and Ira (Susan) Rogers of Robbinsville, NC; and nieces, Beverly (Postell) Lewis of Chattanooga, TN, Carolyn (Tom) Hansbrough of Catlett, VA, Julie Ann Derossett of Robbinsville, NC, Dawn (Greg) Goll of Ringgold, GA, and Suzanne Curtis of Robbinsville, NC.

Huel was born at home, delivered by his grandmother, Margaret “Mag” Jordan (a well-known mid-wife for Graham County) on Monday, May 10, 1926.

At age 15, Huel went to work for John A. Rogers pulling chokers to hook onto logs for Bemis Lumber Company.

At age 18, Huel was drafted into the US Navy and completed his basic training in Bainbridge, MA. This was the first time he had been out of Graham County. Following basic training, Huel was sent to New York and then to Hawaii before being stationed in Guam under five-star Admiral Chester Nimitz; he made Petty Officer third class in less than a year. Huel described Guam as being an isolated island inhabited by mostly soldiers. While on Guam he worked as a shoe cobbler and barber. This is where he first experienced being a barber which stuck with him for the rest of his life.

Huel also boxed while in the Navy and never lost a Match; he was tough.

Upon receiving honorable discharge in 1945, he returned home to finish high school and ended up graduating with his sister Madeline.

Huel married and moved to Detroit, MI, where his son David was born. Huel entered barber school in March 1959. While working two other jobs he completed his barber training on November 6, 1959. Huel began his barber career working at Red’s Barber Shop on 10 Mile Road in Roseville, MI. In July 1962 he returned home to Robbinsville, NC and opened his own barbershop. Huel loved being a barber and enjoyed his customers with all their stories. But when asked what his best memory was, it was when his son David was born. They enjoyed a close bond and worked side by side as barbers until David’s passing.

Huel was proud of being the oldest barber in the state of North Carolina when he retired at age 95 in February 2022.

Huel loved his family, camping, fishing and just sitting under the stars. Later in life he enjoyed playing cards and going to the casino.

Huel will be missed.

“Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means, I’ll miss you until we meet again.” (Unknown)

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Wiggins Cemetery. The Reverend Tom Buchanan will officiate. Military Rites and flag presentation will be conducted by the US Naval Honor Guard and the Carringer-Webster VFW Post #8635.

Townson-Smith is honored to serve the Pastell family.