William Fowler Harrell, 94, after several years of battling challenging afflictions, which he bore with great dignity, left this earth peacefully at Methodist Hospital in Olive Branch, MS., on June 14, 2018, to be with the Holy Father. He was born in Tyler, Missouri, to Earl Herbert and Mamie Fowler Harrell on November 3, 1923. His parents preceded him in death as well as a brother, Walter "Peck" Harrell of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
A veteran of World War II, William served with the 291st Combat Engineers Battalion which was under the command of General Patton's 3rd Army, 9th Armored Division. His accomplishments while serving was one of the highlights of his life. He retired from the Dairy Division of the United States Dept of Agriculture in 1979.
William and Bettye always enjoyed a very varied and full life of traveling, especially their fulfillment of traveling throughout the U.S. covering each state, not just driving through, but spending time to visit all of its interesting sites and the people, especially out west. William's many stories of those travels captured the attention of many his whole life through. They also visited other countries, but preferred to enjoy their own.
Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted and loving wife, Bettye, of 47 years, 2 sisters; Dopris Eaves of Paducah, KY., and Frances Cooper of Cooter, MO., one brother George Harrell of Houston, TX., a son from a previous marriage, William Peal Harrell of Virginia and many nieces and nephews who loved him. He was a member of Pleasant Hills United Methodist Church in Olive Branch, MS. Memorials may be made to the church, Wounded Warriors, Disabled Veterans or charity of your choice.