Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel
912-754-6421

Arthur E. "Bubba" Harrelson

Springfield: Arthur Edward 'Bubba" Harrelson, 75, died Friday, June 21, 2013, at Candler Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Born April 14, 1938, to the late Arthur Ravenel and Willie Mae Bevill Harrelson, Bubba was always an avid sportsman and athlete. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and played basketball and baseball for many years. He played throughout his high school years for Effingham Academy and later for various teams throughout the Savannah/Effingham area. He always enjoyed sharing his memories of the games with fellow players, family and friends.

For many years he owned and operated Bubba's Sport Shop, later called Mid-Rivers Marine, in Springfield. He served on the Springfield City Council and later on the Effingham County Board of Education. During his term on the BOE, he was instrumental in the hiring of Bob Griffith as head coach to help improve the football program to state contender status. He also enjoyed volunteering at God's Mission House food bank.

During his later years, he rekindled his interest in golf and enjoyed many days playing with various friends and the First Wednesday Golf Group. His favorite way to spend a day was with 3 of his friends, playing 18 holes at Bray's Island. He incorporated his love of golf into fund-raising for various charitable groups through organizing golf tournaments. His love of golf took a backseat to his love for his grandchildren. Many afternoons were spent caring for and playing with various ones, taking them to the park, fishing or whatever they wanted to do as he spoiled them.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jeannette Clay.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Peth Harrelson; his children, their spouses and grandchildren: Karl Dasher of New York, Lauren, Hayden and Avery Dasher of Ponte Vedre, FL, Kim, Cindy and Savannah Harrelson of Nashville, TN, Marnie, Jonny, Coen and Hailyn Thompson of Guyton, Kris, Kim, Benjamin, and Natalie Harrelson of Marietta; his mother-in-law, Lida Heidt Peth of Guyton; his sister, Berniece Reid of Rincon, a very special friend, Brian Burns, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Springfield United Methodist Church.

Interment will follow in Effingham Memorial Gardens.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, remembrances be sent to the Missions Fund, Springfield United Methodist Church, 210 Cleveland Street, Springfield, GA 31329 or God's Mission House, c/o First Baptist Church of Springfield, 1435 Hwy 119 N, Springfield, GA 31329.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 754-6421