Herbert Thomas Harwell Jr.

Herbert Thomas Harwell Jr. (Herbie or Herbo) age 67 of McDonough, Georgia, flew to Jesus on March 4, 2026. He suffered complications from a massive stroke he had experienced one year prior while caregiving for his elderly mother. Herbie was born on January 22, 1959 at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the first born son to Herbert Thomas and Willa Dean Harwell. His mother often commented that Herbie was born with a pencil and pen in his hand. Herbie’s gift of art was immediately evident to his family. This gift of art would shape the man that he became.

As a young child, Herbie resided in Atlanta’s West End amongst many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. He would often comment on what a true blessing it was to grow up around family. Herbie attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School for his primary education. Herbie’s family instilled early on the love for Jesus and a Catholic faith by attending weekly mass. Herbie’s Catholic faith would be an anchor for him as he traveled his life’s path. Herbie’s young life was rocked twice when his brother, Michael was born and once again when his baby sister, Debra joined the family. When Herbie was in fifth grade, the family moved from Atlanta to Riverdale. The majority of his life was spent at the house in Riverdale where many fabulous memories were made. Herbie graduated from North Clayton High School in 1977. He was well loved by many at his high school and his artwork touched many lives during this period. His creativity was beyond measure from sharing his artwork with the annual staff to attending the Governor’s Honor Program. His charismatic personality and loving heart were a magnet for others! Herbie also attended Georgia State University with a major in art.

Herbie’s first job was at a Big Apple Grocery Store. He was employed by the State of Georgia as well as working in the fields of printing and advertising. Herbie loved graphic design as well as making movies. He was often found recruiting friends and family to be the stars of his motion pictures. If you were a participant in one of his movies, then you know the raw talent that Herbo was famous for! Herbo productions will forever be etched in our hearts. Herbie loved the arts, from film to music he was a fan. Some of his favorites were The Monkeys, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, John Denver, Queen, The Cowsills, and Celtic Woman. He could often be found listening to music with a big cup of Joe in his hand! Family was extremely important to Herbie and he was the best son, nephew, big brother, uncle, brother in law, cousin and friend to many! He helped shape and mold, with much devotion, his niece, Bethany and nephews, Thomas and Samuel. Their love for Uncle Herbie was unmatched and will never be forgotten. Animals loved Herbo as well. Oscar and Millie, the labradors, went on many adventures with Herbo!

Herbie’s friendship base was very important to him. One of his best buds, Mike, summed it up with the following words: “We talked about everything from art, music, making movies, photography and God moving in our lives.” “Herbo was one of the last Renaissance men.” “He was well-read, made animated films with bendable creatures he made himself.” “ He was an artist, songwriter, musician and one of the funniest people I have ever met.” “Most of all, he was my friend.” “He was there for me when I needed him and I did the same for him.” “We had a bond that was strong, built on love, trust, and mutual respect and admiration.” “I will keep him close in my heart until we meet again in the presence of the Lord.” “Sleep well and be free, my friend, my brother.”

As a brother, Herbie was the best. Herbie and Michael enjoyed playing as young boys riding bikes, building huts, and shooting hoops just to name a few. They attended concerts, hung out under the street light with the neighbors, and drank Shasta Colas together. Even though they had different personalities, brotherhood made for an inseparable bond. Herbie was close with his baby sister as well. He enjoyed long conversations with her, making her dolls talk, and helping with her art projects. Herbie was the best big brother and his spirit for life will forever remain in his siblings' lives.

As a son, Herbie was loving and kind. His respect for his parents was evident in the ways he would care for them in their later years through sickness and disease. He admired his father for his devotion to family and the example he set as a man. His mother was honored with poems and drawings. Herbie gave credit to his mom for his faith and his ability to get up and try again after a bad day.

Herbo left a mark on a multitude of lives. His footprint is engraved in our hearts and souls. I know that the next big feature in Heaven will read on the marque as “Directed by Herbo, the Man We Will Never Stop Loving!”

Herbie is survived in death by his brother Michael Dean Harwell, sister Debra Ruth Bivens (David), niece Bethany (Matt), and nephews, Thomas and Samuel, as well as Aunt Helen, DonDon and many special cousins; as well as Millie the beloved family labrador. Herbie is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Thomas Harwell and Willa Dean Harwell.

A service to honor Herbie will be held on Friday, March 13th at Honey Creek Woodlands on the grounds of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia at 12:30 p.m. Those attending should wear supportive footwear and dress casual due to the natural wooded terrain.