Howard Larue Harrell
Howard Larue Harrell of Savannah, Georgia died at home surrounded by family on Thursday, April 28, 2011. He was born July 8, 1942 in Nashville, GA to Howard and Tessie Harrell and grew up in Lenox, GA. After his family moved to Lakeland, FL, he was graduated from Lakeland High School. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea and Vietnam. In 1976 he joined the 117th Air National Guard. A decorated war veteran, Master Sgt. Harrell held a "seven row salad," plus numerous other commendations and awards. After faithfully serving his country in uniform, he applied his engineering experience and communication technology skills in his work with Bellsouth in Albany, GA. Following the telephone company's corporate merger, he moved to Atlanta, GA, with AT&T. He expanded his skills with AT&T at GA Tech. His work in satellite technology included commuting to South America to work on their Earth Stations.
Upon retiring from AT&T, he moved to Savannah and served in communications technology at Hunter/Ft. Stewart with the 117th Air National Guard, from which he retired. Then he served Civil Service in communications technology for several years, before retiring once more. He received numerous awards and recognitions from his various careers, both military and civilian. His many inventions and improvement and patents were incorporated for military and civilian use. He and Penny, his wife, cared for "Cathie" a disabled friend. While caring for Cathie, he invented a communications device making it possible for her to communicate via technology, thus improving the quality of her life.
Mr. Harrell enjoyed camping and water sports with his family, and in retirement, enjoyed riding his motorcycle, taking the grandchildren out to breakfast at Cracker Barrel on Saturdays when they came to visit. He also enjoyed their swimming and fishing in the lake at the front of their home. His hardy laugh is fondly remembered by them all.
He is survived by his wife, Penny Dampier Harrell; a daughter, Lisa and Jimmy Brown of Stone Mountain, GA; two sons, Kevin and Theresa Harrell of Snellville, GA and Matt and Shannon Harrell of Savannah. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Adam and the late Thomas Harrell, Caitlynn and Cody Hendrix, Jon-Morgan, Jacob, Trevor, and Liam Harrell; and his bloodhound, Boudreaux. He is also survived by two brothers, Latrume Harrell of Nashville, GA, Lamar Harrell of Albany, GA, a sister Lawanna Montgomery of Sylvania, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his "adopted soldier" kids; SFC Kris Jenkins, SSGT Lance Frazee, ret., SGT Johnethan and SGT Miranda Wright and many others. He was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2011 in the chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Willis H. Moore and Rev. Ivy Spence officiating. Remembrances may be sent to the Christian Motorcycle Association, "Glory Riders 493" Savannah chapter at P.O. Box 9, Hatfield, AR 71945.