DADEVILLE, Ala.–Funeral services will be held today for James Michael (Mike) Harrell, 61, the CEO of ACIPCO Credit Union, who drowned after suffering an apparent heart attack while swimming in Lake Martin here.
The credit union is closed today in order to allow employees to attend services at the First Baptist Church here.
Tallapossa County Deputy Coroner Ken Cowart said that Harrell was pronounced dead at 3:35 on Sunday afternoon after being rushed to Lake Martin Community Hospital, according to AlexCityOutlook.com. Harrell reportedly had been struggling in the water and was rescued by boaters in the area, including efforts at CPR.
Harrell is survived by his wife, Daphne, who is CEO of Heritage South Credit Union in Sylacauga, Ala., and their son, Heath Harrell, who is president/CEO of the $314-million Guardian CU in Montgomery, Ala.
Tragically, the Harrells lost their son Henry, then 30, on the same lake in 2013 when a personal watercraft he was driving struck a dock.
During his 25-year career at ACIPCO Harrell helped to oversee asset growth to $143 million. The credit union now has more than 7,400 members.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Manager/CEO, Mike Harrell,” said the credit union on its website. “Mike was dearly loved, as shown by the outpouring of love we have seen by friends and members.”
The family is asking that in lieu of flowers any donations be made to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation.