William E. "Bill" Harreld, Jr.

Canton

Mr. William E. (Bill) Harreld, Jr., Chevrolet dealer, was born February 8, 1929 at Kings Daughters Hospital in Canton, Mississippi to Minnie Cowan and William E. (Billy Willy) Harreld, Sr. He was the first baby born at the hospital.

Funeral arrangements are at Breeland Funeral Home in Canton, MS. Visitation is Friday, January 17, 2014 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm with a Rosary service at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass is Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Canton, MS at 10:00 am with burial afterward at Canton Cemetery.

Mr. Harreld was the owner of Harreld Chevrolet Company which was started in 1932 by his father. To date the dealership is one of the oldest surviving family owned dealerships in Mississippi and the nation. It is famously known for its huge neon sign. Mr. Harreld graduated from Canton High School. Mr. Harreld was active in baseball and played for the Jackson Senators. He also achieved the status of Eagle Scout with the highest of honors. He attended St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama and then finished his degree in History at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). After teaching history in Oxford, MS he took a position with Conoco Oil Company in Ponca City, Oklahoma. It is there where he met his wife and mother of 6 children Ann Arrington. After many years with Conoco he then became a State Farm Insurance agent in Greenwood, MS. He moved back to Canton, MS in 1960 and joined in working with his father.

History was his passion and he was a member of the Sons of the Confederacy and also Sons of the American Revolution. Mr. Harreld was a devoted supporter of the McPherson Retina Research Foundation in Houston, TX and served on the board for the foundation.

Being a devout Roman Catholic he leaves behind 6 children. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John Cowan Harreld. Daughters Mallie Harreld and Lee Ann Duncan. Sons William E. (Billy) Harreld, III, Wilson Harreld, Jim Harreld (Tami), John Harreld. Grandchildren: Shelly Foate, Crystalin Lewis (Shane), Wyatt Harreld, John Cowan Harreld, Justin Harreld, Danield Harreld, Anna Wright (Michael), James Eastland Harreld, Mary Rowan Duncan. Great grandchildren: Kira Ann Greene, Justin and Kaden Foate, Ethan and Emerson Lewis, Elizabeth Ann Wright.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Canton, MS, or McPherson Retina Research Foundation, 7200 B Cambridge Street, Houston, TX 77030.

An online guestbook is available at www.breelandfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clarion Ledger from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for William Harreld

14 Entries

David Bartel

February 11, 2014

Please accept my condolences in your time of grief, and remember that grief only comes with the loss of a blessing that God gave to you. My prayers will be with you.

Jeanne Gadilhe

January 20, 2014

Many prayers to you Mallie and to the rest of your family. May God give you strength and consolation during this difficult time.

William F Chandler Jr

January 19, 2014

Jim and Family, I am glad your Dad's suffering is over, but know this is a bitter-sweet time for all of you. Please be grateful that he was able to see all of you grow into mature adults & that you had as much time with him as you did. Also, please accept Christ's comfort through the pages of His Word during this time of saying good bye. Sincerely, Billy Chandler

January 18, 2014

Edgar and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to you, Lee Ann, and your family, Daddy's are our Hero's. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you, Edgar and Rita.

Mary Langham-Daniel

January 17, 2014

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Mac Holmes

January 17, 2014

To the Harreld family so sorry for the loss he will be remembered for ever.

January 17, 2014

May the God of comfort be with you at this difficult time.

January 17, 2014

The Queen family and now Donnelly family go back a long way with the Harreld family. My mother, Ruth Queen, and Minnie Harreld were dear friends. Bill's brother Johnny was in my class at Canton High Forever. My husband, Bob Donnelly, taught for 15 years at St. Joseph High School, and has fond memories of the generosity of the entire family. We both remember Mary Rowan Duncan's delightful spirit and smile. In one way or another we connected with each of Bill's children. We feel confident they will carry on his legacy. What a gift the Harreld family has been to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Love and Bessings,
Bob and Mary (Queen) Donnelly

Karen Robinson

January 17, 2014

Words can't even express what a wonderful man Bill was! His impact on my life will be with me forever. I'm going to miss him so much,but will always remember him with so much love. And I will always smile when I think about the laughs we shared and the food he loved! What wonderful kids Bill leaves as his legacy. Thank you for sharing your Dad with me!

Ed McIntyre

January 17, 2014

I met Mr. Harreld many, many years ago. What impressed me about him was that he was a true Gentleman,

E.David Cox

January 17, 2014

Sorry for your loss

Terex Severin

January 17, 2014

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

January 17, 2014

May you find comfort from the God of All Comfort during this time.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results