Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Harwell Obituary
Nashville, TN
Robert Ewing Harwell, Jr., age 80, Nashville, TN, died late in the evening of January 3, 2016.
Born on June 5, 1935, in Nashville to Robert and Jane McKelvey Harwell, he is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Creighton Harwell; children, Jane (Dan Whittle) of Carrboro, NC, Rob III of Chapel Hill, NC, and Tom (Clark Elam), of Nashville; grandchildren Emery, Dale, Gordon, Caroline, Thomas, and Will Harwell; and by his two brothers, Jonathan Harwell and Coleman Harwell and their families.
Rob graduated from, and was a loyal supporter of, the Peabody Demonstration School, Deerfield Academy, and Vanderbilt University (Class of 1957).
After serving two years in the US Navy, he studied for a year at the Yale Divinity School before rejoining the Deerfield community as an English teacher and admissions officer.
After his father's death in 1966, Rob returned to Nashville to join the management of Neely Harwell and Co. and Phillips and Quarles Hardware.
Always interested in education, Rob served as chairman of the board of Ensworth School and on the Board of Visitors of Vanderbilt Divinity School. He chaired the board of the Mental Health Association, served on the Parthenon Conservancy Board, and was an elder and longtime choir member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Rob loved his Nashville associations and was a rich repository of local history, and a quiet supporter of many local organizations.
Rob loved music, storytelling, and the outdoors. He took the Jack Tales and his guitar to entertain children and adults in schools, churches, libraries and parks.
He shared stories with friends in the Coffee House Club, rode with the Hillsboro Hounds, and played guitar with a group called the Outbound Freight.
A celebration of Rob's life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 9. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM followed by the service at 11:30.
Rob's family thanks all who have loved and cared for him.
In lieu of flowers, you may offer support to Alive Hospice of Nashville (1710 Patterson St. 37203) and the music program of Westminster Presbyterian Church (3900 West End Ave. 37205).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Harwell
6 Entries
Claibome Watkins Dawes
March 12, 2016
Some higher light has prompted thoughts of Rob, albeit several months late. He was indeed a very special person and I'm grateful to have known him, as I am for our Nashville connection. I send deep sympathy to his family.
Shelley Gotterer
February 24, 2016
Bob delighted so many with his stories! He was a loyal officer and supporter of Volunteer State Tellers, Tennessee's statewide storytelling organization.
Caroline Harwell
February 10, 2016
My grandfather was one of the bravest man to live
Bud Upshaw
January 8, 2016
Rob's light shone in steady and transforming ways, never pretentious or praise-seeking, and genuinely and continuously generous. Like the music he made and the stories he told, he was and is a gift, a nurturing presence, alive in us. I thank you, and I celebrate you, Rob...........
Edward Vickery
January 8, 2016
Rob Harwell was a fine, thoughtful, caring man. The beginning words from one of Shakespeare's sonnets are perfect for celebrating his life appropriately: "Who is it that says most which can say more than this rich praise --- that you alone are you?"
Watt Crockett
January 7, 2016
Rob was such a giving friend and made such an impact on the community.
He has left a " hole " in Nashville.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Harwell's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Harwell
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Harwell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
