I first met John in the spring of 1972 while taking the SAT in Huntsville , Alabama ( my hometown ).  After the test he asked for a tour of my city and school.  We exchanged addresses and wrote letters for one year.   
          When I was at the University of Alabama and John was at Vandy we  began  a dating relationship which lasted until the spring of our sophomore year .  We saw each other when we could , however we were so busy on our respective campuses. 
            John called me in the early 1980’s after his first daughter was born and I was newly married .  After that  we lost touch for several decades .   This past April I received I message from a classmate on the Grissom High 1973 Facebook group .  He said John wanted to find me and sent his email .   I responded to John a few weeks ago , however after not getting a response I became concerned he was not well .   I  was saddened to learn of John’s death through his obituary.  I’m sorry we did not connect one last time .   
                I shared John’s obituary with my 92 year old mother yesterday .  She said ,  “ I remember John    ….. nice , handsome , young man .   He certainly knew how to impress the parents “ 
              I’m very thankful for the memories , brief relationship & fun we had in our early college years .   I’m glad to know John had so many children and had the thrill of being a grandfather .   
               I’m so sorry to hear of John’s death and send my deepest sympathies and prayers to all of you .     Sincerely,  Debra Hill Brown 
Vestavia Hills, Alabama

2 memories
Besides the fact that "Vandy"  ( his NTN handle) beat the house when he was the only one who knew okra was a major ingredient in gumbo.  His southern roots showing.
As big as he was, he always led the team in singles, he left the long ball for his teammates.
And yes, he could embelish every story 
and akways had a smile on his face!

To John's Dear Family,

In the past few years I reconnected with John through Facebook.  I was a few years older than John but we attened Giles County High School together.  He was a football player and I was the team manager.  Over the years there have been a few individuals from Pulaski who went on to get an education at the college level through football.  John and I along with Larry Lipman from the late 60s and early 70s.  I went to Alabama as a student trainer and John to Vanderbilt.  Larry Lipman also a manager at GCHS went to the University of Tampa as a student trainer.  The three of us for sure were helped by the football coach at that time, Ron Clark.  As for John to get a schlorship to an SEC school was a great accomplishment.  He was a big, strong, determined young man.  My feeling toward him was a sense of pride for what he accomplished.  To get into Vanderbilt even as a football player at that time also proved his acedemic excellence.  In the ensuing years of our lives I did not have much news or contact with him but I believe we maintained our connection because of how football influenced our lives and then recently reconnected.  I am very sorry to hear about your loss.  A scripture that helps me find comfort at times like these in John 5:28 and 29 where it speaks of a resurrection.  I find great hope in being able to see John in the new world when millions are resurrected to a beautiful restore paradise earth.  Sincerely - Edward "Goostree"  Parsons.

My Condolences to the John's family. I remember the birth of Grace. John was such a proud father. John did share many events with me. 
John told me many stories of Sarah. 
UPS management would call us brothers.
His chili cook-offs. John invited me to one cook off, but life had other ideas. I told John when my mother passed a couple of years ago. He is such a good friend. GOD Bless John and John's family.

Our most sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. John, we are praying for you and your entire family in this time of loss. Blessings - Kinyara family.

I cooked with and against John for years. He always had a big smile on his face. He was one of those guys that always cheered when others won. Anytime he won, we all cheered for him.
That smile could light up a room and always made others feel better.
I remember one cook off we were at and I had sliced my finger. He came over and wrapped it up and helped me and stood by me. He was a true friend to so many.
His smile and light will be missed. 
RIP brother.

So very sorry to hear this sending prayers for the family

Kathy tbis is Linda Cora Mae daughter  thi nking 
of you  and  theloss of your brother mama thought a lot of your family

There was never a time that he didn't smile when I saw him, no matter how much time passed by since I saw him last. He was always excited to share new music and new movies, or show off his steak skills. My whole life with this family he treated me kindly and like I was a part of the family.

During my middle and high school years he was literally other dad and treated just like one of his kids. He could always turn any topic we discussed into a story. I will miss him.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

John Robert Harwell, Jr.

23 février 1955 – 4 mai 2025

Schoedinger Norris Grove City

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service