John Llewellyn Harpell Jr.

1st Lieutenant US Army, Ret., Dr. John Llewellyn Harpell Jr, Phi Beta Kappa, Professor Emeritus of Business Administration at West Virginia University (WVU), passed gracefully on March 8th, 2024 in Silver Spring MD at the age of 85.

Born in 1938 in Stoneham MA, he was known affectionately as “Doc H” by over 14,000 students he taught throughout his decades at WVU. Throughout his career he received numerous accolades ranging from Professor of the Year to WVU Faculty League Bowling Champion. A charter member of the Decision Sciences Institute of America, Dr. Harpell published scores of scientific papers and more than a dozen books on Management and Marketing. He appeared on television numerous times, his most notable television appearance being a live debate against Jay Rockefeller.

A deeply religious man, Dr. Harpell helped found several churches and ministries in and around Morgantown, including a Kairos Prison Ministry chapter, going so far as to drive a bulldozer to help build one new church. Whether he was driving people to medical appointments, helping them get to church, or to Ruth’s House, or hosting a ceremony in his house, he was sure to remind everyone that, “God Loves You!”

Dr. Harpell is survived by his son John Harpell III, and granddaughter Josephine Harpell; his daughter Johanna Estes and grandchildren Oliver, Hallisey, and William Estes, and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Morgantown, WV in May, date and location TBD.

Please honor Doc’s life by following his example, and share a smile with a complete stranger, every day.