Photo courtesy of Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home - Henderson
Aug 15, 1934 - Dec 9, 2025
A fine gentleman who always went out of his way to say Hello. I knew him as a neighbor in Balmoral Acres in the 80’s and 90’s, then more recently as an avid golfer at Henderson Country Club , where he was one of the best Senior Players. I’m fortunate to have known Denny and glad he was blessed with an active life to age 91.
John Strother
December 10, 2025 | Fort Myers, FL
I am on the visitation team at Chapel Hill Church and my group partner Mary Beth Buckman would meet with Dennie and on all our visitors we heard about Sportss that he played or watched. We really enjoyed the time we were together just talking. Dennie will be missed.
Barbara Whitfield
December 09, 2025 | Henderson, KY | Friend
There Aren’t Any Words To Describe Denny, Married To My Aunt Francis, My Dad’s Sister. Over The Years I Got To Know Denny, Done Many Things For Denny And Aunt Francis. This One Hurts And It Hurts A Lot Of People. Denny Was Well Liked And Very Much Respected. Here At Christmas Now We Are Just Left At A Loss. To Know Denny Was To Know He Was A Kind Person, Never Raising His Voice, Just That Stern Voice He Had. The Impact Of Lives He Touched Are Endless. I Know Aunt Francis Is Rejoicing Tonight....
David Golday
December 09, 2025 | Ocala, FL | Family
Denny was a warm and kind man. I considered him a good friend and strong supporter of his pastors and church. Bless his family in this time
Ted Burke
December 09, 2025 | Owensboro, KY | Friend
This makes me so sad! Denny was a treasured colleague, friend and fellow Christian. I will miss his warm smile and hug every time I returned to Chapel Hill.
Sally Williams Sugg
December 09, 2025 | Shelbyville, KY | Friend
Dennis “Denny” Dale Harrell, 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and a life lived with purpose.
Denny was born in Huntley, Illinois, on August 15, 1934, to Flavus and Lorene Harrell and spent his childhood in Warrensburg, Illinois.
A proud graduate of Millikin University, Denny made his mark on the baseball field as the starting pitcher for the Millikin team. In his very first collegiate game, he threw a remarkable no-hitter—a memory he treasured throughout his life.
Denny dedicated 28 years to the Henderson County School System, retiring as the Principal of the Vocational School, where he influenced countless students and colleagues with his guidance, leadership, and commitment to education. After retiring from education, he went on to enjoy a successful 20-year career as a Realtor, helping families establish roots in the community he loved.
Denny was happily married to his wife, Frances Harrell, for 35 years. Together they shared a passion for dancing, golf, and attending Henderson County High School basketball and football games, where they cheered on local athletes and enjoyed being part of the community.
Denny was a proud member of the Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge and a devoted longtime member of Chapel Hill Church, formerly Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, where lifelong friendships were formed.
Known for his warm smile, steady presence, and a firm handshake, Denny also had a wonderful sense of humor. He was always ready with a joke - usually delivered at just the right time to bring laughter to those around him.
Denny embraced every chapter of his 91 years with gratitude and joy and leaves behind a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Harrell; two sisters, Juanita Jones and Nona Zeni; one brother, Gaylon Harrell; and one great-grandson, Stetson Rhett Meyer.
Survivors include his son, Rick (Vicki) Harrell of Calvert City, KY; his daughter, Cathy (Martin) Kinney of Louisville, KY; two stepdaughters, Roxie (Steve) Sellars of Henderson, KY, and Paula (John) Wallace of Melbourne, FL; grandchildren, Jacob (Ainsley) Harrell of Boston, MA, and Jordan (Tom) Meyer, Placerville, CA; step-grandchildren, Chad (Beverly) Sellars, Stephanie Sellars, Christopher (Jenny) Sellars, Zachary Payne, Travis Roe, and Tori Phillips, all of Henderson, KY. In addition, he is survived by several great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2025, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home. The Reverend Greg Shannon will officiate. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Anthony's Hospice, 2410 Green Street, Henderson, KY 42420.
Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.
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