Harrell Pierce Farrar

Harrell Pierce Farrar passed peacefully to Heaven on Saturday, October 18, 2025. He was born on March 13, 1936, in Lillie, Louisiana, where he described his childhood as humorous and idyllic, despite the challenges of keeping the family farm during the Depression, and the absence of his older brothers as they volunteered for World War II service. As a young teen, Harrell was led by a respected teacher to accept Jesus as his Savior, and he served the Lord faithfully throughout his life.

After graduating from Bernice High School in 1954, Harrell joined the US Air Force and traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to complete his training for a career in USAF Security Service (intelligence). There, he met his wife of 70 years, Norma, at Bellaire Baptist Church. They had their first date on Valentine’s Day and were married on June 29 of 1955. Harrell took immense pride in serving his country in duty stations including Texas, Germany, Okinawa, Maryland, and Alaska. All three children were born in military hospitals—Tim and Sue Ellen at Wilford Hall in San Antonio, and Phillip at Landstuhl, Germany.

After his Air Force retirement, Harrell used the GI Bill to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southwest Texas State University. For several years, he managed the shuttle bus company that served Lackland AFB and the SWTSU campus. He briefly taught a high school vocational class. His final career was spent as business manager for the CJF Ministries.

Harrell served as a deacon and led his family to be active in churches at each duty station. He especially enjoyed maintaining the fleet of vehicles used for bus ministry at Lackland Baptist in San Antonio during the 1970s. He was often called upon to lead congregational singing or serve as narrator or soloist for choral programs. After relocating to Fort Worth in 2019 to be near children and grandchildren, First Baptist of San Antonio named him Life Deacon.

Through frequent blood donations, Harrell was credited with saving at least two lives. As a careful steward of resources, he provided well for his family and helped numerous people stay in school or keep their homes. He performed many roadside rescues with his mechanical skills. Even after Parkinsonism affected his ability to walk, Harrell pulled trash cans to the curb for several neighbors with his riding lawn mower.

Harrell is preceded in death by his parents, Aylmer Harrell and Flora Brazzel Farrar, along with his brothers, Minor and Bernard Farrar, and sister, Lillian Dison. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Norma Byrd Farrar, along with sons, Timothy Wayne Farrar and Phillip James Farrar (Kristy) and daughter, Sue Ellen Houston (Mike). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Nicolette Farrar, Natalie Farrar Reyes (Brandon), Nataniel Farrar, Daniel Houston (Alyssa), Matthew Houston, and Lauren Houston Farnell (Parker). He was blessed to meet his first great-grandchild, Gwendolyn Rose Houston, and to know that twin girl great-grands are expected in February. His memory is cherished by many Farrar and Byrd nieces and nephews.

The family expresses gratitude to the staff of St. John’s Residential Care Homes—Judith, Joy, Bing, Jonathan and Fred; as well as Valor Hospice—Christina, Nanette, Raymon, and Jody.

Donations in his memory would be welcomed at First Baptist Church, San Antonio Media Ministry and Cure PSP.

A Funeral Service will be held at Laurel Land Funeral Home at 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth, on Sunday, November 2, at 2:00 p.m. (Visitation at 1:00 p.m., with Reception following)

Burial will take place at DFW National Cemetery at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, with full military honors on Monday, November 3, at 2:00 p.m. (Meet there/ Arrive no later than 1:45 p.m.)