Earl Herbert Harrell, III

OLIVE BRANCH, MS age 88 passed away October 2, 2015 in Independence, MS. Earl was born on December 24, 1926 in Blytheville, AR. A resident of Olive Branch, MS he was preceded in death by his parents Earl Herbert Harrell, Jr. and Fern Marie Nall Harrell of Clarksdale, MS and by his wife of 65 years Barbara Lee Harrell of Olive Branch. Earl was most proud to have served his country in World War II as a PFC in the Army Signal Corp where he was stationed on the island of Leyte in the pacific theater. Following his service to his country he worked several military contract jobs before finding his calling in law enforcement. Living in Memphis, TN Earl worked for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department where he worked for 25 years and retiring at the rank of Sargent. Earl was a very involved father with his sons’ teaching them about the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and sports. He particularly loved to coach his children during their early sports careers coaching both baseball and football. After they were grown his love of coaching even extended to providing needed experience to youth teams at Central Church in Memphis, TN where he was also able to coach his grandson. In addition Earl was active in his Sunday School class at First Baptist Church-Olive Branch where he especially enjoyed the fellowship of his classmates at their First Sunday breakfast club every month.He leaves behind many friends and acquaintances at Hazel’s, McDonald’s and The Neighborhood Grill where he spent most of his time socializing. Earl was especially interested in his association and support of aging veterans and lent his time support to the aid group Forever Young. Earl is survived by his 2 sons Hunter Lee Harrell (Ellen Carey) of Independence, MS and Jeffery Owen Harrell (Cheryl) of Collierville, TN, his grandchildren Ashley Fryar (Kevin) of Brighton, TN, John Harrell (Lindsey) of Collierville, TN, Dr. Joshua Harrell (Sarah Fletcher) of Jupiter, FL, his great grandchildren Coleman and Camden Fryar, Caden Harrell, and nephew Barry Johnson of Dallas, TX. Services will be conducted by Brantley Funeral Home Olive Branch, with visitation Tuesday, October 6th from 4 - 6 p.m and the funeral service Wednesday, October 7th at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens on Germantown Pkwy in Bartlett, TN. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to: Forever Young Senior Veterans, PO Box 1381, Collierville, TN 38027