Wayne Edwin Harvell

Born: December 14, 1944 – Etowah County, Gadsden, AL

Passed: May 25, 2025 – Giles County, Ardmore, TN

With deep sorrow and immense gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Wayne Edwin Harvell—a devoted husband, cherished father and papa, and a faithful servant to God and his community. He departed this life at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and unwavering service.

Wayne’s path was shaped by a lifelong devotion to faith and education. After graduating from Alabama Christian High School, he attended Alabama Christian College (now Faulkner University) in Montgomery, followed by Abilene Christian University in Texas, where he earned his teaching degree. He went on to receive master’s degrees in Counseling and School Administration from Auburn University and Jacksonville State University, and later pursued a doctorate in Psychology at Louisiana Baptist University, with an emphasis on Marriage and Family.

Though his professional roles were many—teacher, coach, counselor, administrator—Wayne’s most cherished calling was his ministry. For more than 60 years, he preached and served congregations across Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, and Tennessee. His evangelistic campaigns also led him to Ukraine and throughout the United States, including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas—always carrying with him God’s message of faith and hope.

Wayne’s dedication extended beyond the church into public service. He was a former member and officer of the Civitan Club, and he provided spiritual support to law enforcement as Police Chaplain for the Decatur, IL Police Department, the Alabama Department of Public Safety (North Alabama Troop), and the Ardmore Police Department.

In addition, Wayne served the City of Ardmore with distinction. After many years as an Alderman, he stepped into the role of Vice-Mayor in January 2025. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Town of Ardmore Water Department and as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the City of Ardmore Library, championing initiatives for continuous community improvement.

Wayne’s craftsmanship was yet another extension of his love for others. He was deeply involved in construction, carpentry, and remodeling—providing services through his personal company and renovating both the church buildings he preached in and the homes his family lived in. His family never lived in a home that had not been shaped by his own hands—a true testament to his commitment to making life better for those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Daryl Wayne; his parents, W.T. and Lora Harvell, of the Sand Mountain area of North Alabama; his brother, Charles Harvell (Sue, Patricia, Jacqueline); and his sister, Gwendolyn Turner (James).

Wayne is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Julia, whom he married on July 3, 1964. He is also survived by his children: Tameron Harvell, who shares her home with his grand-puppy, Tallulah; Kimberly Hitchcock and her husband Thomas, along with their daughters, Taylor Tabulog and her husband Nick, and Danielle Hitchcock; and Trey Harvell, married to Christina, and their children: Wayne, Willow, William, and Wendy.

Services for Wayne will be conducted by a dear friend and fellow minister of the Gospel, Greg Swango, at the West Hobbs Street Church of Christ in Athens, AL (1602 W Hobbs St, Athens, AL 35611,) on June 7, 2025. Condolences may be expressed to Wayne’s family between 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life memorial service at 2:30 PM. A private gathering for extended family will follow the service, offering a time for fellowship, reflection, and remembrance.

In honor of Wayne’s life and legacy, stories and memories are being collected at wayneharvell.com to be shared during the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wayne Harvell scholarship at Freed-Hardeman University*, or the City of Ardmore Public Library**—causes that reflect Wayne’s lifelong devotion to faith, education, and community service.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in the lasting impact of Wayne’s life. His legacy lives on through his family, his ministry, and the countless lives he touched. His love endures, and his faith continues to guide those he leaves behind.

*Freed-Hardeman

Checks can be mailed to:

Freed-Hardeman University

ATTN: Advancement

158 E. Main Street

Henderson, TN 38340

Memo: The Wayne Harvell Preacher Training Scholarship

*City of Ardmore Public Library

Checks can be mailed to:

25836 Main St.

Ardmore, TN 38449-3156

(931) 427-4883