RALEIGH

The Funeral Service will be Live streamed from Montlawn Funeral Home - Click Here

- Will be viewable and Active on 2/25/21 - 15 Minutes before the service at 11:00 am and will be available to re-watch at any time.

Noel Edward Council passed away at the William M. Dunlap Center for Caring after an extended illness.  He was born October 28, 1936 to the late Hal Henderson and Isabelle Murray Council in Raleigh, NC.

Noel was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Beasley Council, and his brother, Joel Wayne Council. Surviving Noel are his brother, Neal Council and wife Rachel of Raleigh, NC, his children, Todd and Dominica Council of Austin, TX, Chrisie Council of Apex, NC, Tracy and Jeff Wheeler of Raleigh, NC, and Scott and Ashley Council of Clayton, NC.  He also leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren who adored their Grandpa, Cameron and Cristin Council of Nashville, TN, Harrison  Council and  Ryan Council of Austin, TX, Grace Wheeler, Jacob Wheeler and Jeffrey Wheeler of Raleigh, NC, Isabelle Council and Willa Council of Clayton, NC.

Noel was a man that demonstrated faithfulness through his nearly 62 year marriage to his One and Only Love, Ruth. Noel was so in love with Ruth that he could only be separated from her for a few weeks after her passing in January, reuniting with her in heaven in February.

Noel was a loving father and grandfather who cherished his time with his family.  He adored his grandchildren. His only rule was there is no crying at Grandpa's house.  Noel would spend his most cherished moments playing prince to little princesses, weed-whacking the grass with little gardeners, pushing swings with little thrill seekers, and then ending it all with a nap in his easy chair with his grandchildren.

Noel was a hard worker who learned perseverance in the Air Force.  He studied the Russian language at the Army Language School at the Presidio in Monterrey, CA.  After his training, he was deployed at the northern tip of Japan in Hokkaido where he endured a long separation from his love, Ruth, he endured brutal weather and endless nights listening to radio broadcasts in a foreign language.

Noel's problem solving skills led him to IBM.  At his retirement, Noel was the "Oldest Rat in the Barn," having spent 31 years supporting the creation and implementation of store systems.  Noel was proud to see his creations at the stores where he shopped.  He would always tell the cashier that he built the very first prototypes in his lab at IBM.

A major part of Noel's spirit was his ability to find the good in everyone he met.  He was a father figure to many beyond his own children.  His co-ops at IBM adored him and many called him Santa Claus instead of Noel.  During his recent stay at WakeMed, he found the goodness in his caregivers, taking time to acknowledge their skills and their kindness.  Noel even sang a Russian song to one of his therapists as she worked with him.

Noel was a long time member of Millbrook United Methodist Church in Raleigh North Carolina.  He was dearly loved and will be missed by all.

An outdoor service will be held Thursday February 25th at 11:00 am at Montlawn Cemetery in Raleigh, NC.  A live stream of the service will be provided.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests that contributions in honor of Noel E. Council be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital by clicking here .

Arrangements under the direction of Montlawn Funeral Home and Cremations.