Beemer C. Harrell

HICKORY - Beemer Clifford Harrell, 83, of Hickory, died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family and friends, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007. He is survived by his wife, Julia Rush Harrell of Hickory; three daughters, Madeline Harrell Ryan of Carrboro, Sally Harrell Gebler and husband, Tom, of Sedona, Ariz., and Barbara Rush and friend, Phil Early, of Newton; a son, David Rush and wife, Cassie, of Boone; a brother, Charles S. Harrell and wife, Cathryn, of Hendersonville; a sister, Jane H. Stewart of Louisville, Colo.; three granddaughters, Pearl Arnold and Rosa Ryan, both of Chapel Hill, and Amber Stevens of Boone; two grandsons, Hayden Gebler of Sedona, Ariz., and Anderson Drew Cline of Newton; one great-grandson, Coby Arnold of Chapel Hill; and many wonderful friends from the church and community also survive him. He was still practicing architecture at the time of his death. Beemer was a member of the First Baptist Church in Marshville, a deacon of First Presbyterian Church in Hickory, an elder and Sunday school teacher at Northminster Presbyterian Church, lay reader at Ascension Episcopal Church and a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church at the time of his death. Beemer was born in Monroe on March 31, 1924. He was the son of the late Beemer Harrell Sr. and Ruth Roberts Harrell. He grew up in Marshville and attended North Carolina State before serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Beemer played first chair cornet in the Marshville School Band and won two medals for playing solos at National Regional Contests. He attended Monroe High School for most of the 12th grade, playing in the band, and on the football and basketball teams. During his senior year, Beemer's father became seriously ill and Beemer left school to run the family's farm. His father died in July 1942. Beemer attended North Carolina State and played cornet in the Redcoat Band before joining the U.S. Army Air Corps in April 1943. He earned his wings in February 1944. After learning to fly the B-25 medium bomber in Greenville, S.C., he went overseas and was based on Corsica. His first 10 missions were as a co-pilot and included the invasion of southern France. He flew a total of 70 missions and was awarded 10 Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Returning home, he enrolled at Georgia Tech, where he was feature editor of "The Technique" newspaper and a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and Architectural Society. After the war, Beemer earned two degrees in architecture from Georgia Tech. He moved to Hickory in 1950 and opened his architectural office in 1953. He was an accomplished photographer and published two pieces of work, "The T.S.D. Trip" and "A Walk in the Park." He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and vice president of the North Carolina Chapter, a vice president of the Hickory Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Hickory Rotary Club and Downtown Development Association. He served as executive director of the Downtown Development Association for six years and was chairman of the Oktoberfest festival for eight years. In recognition of his work as a leader in the revitalization of downtown Hickory, Oct. 10, 2003, was declared by the mayor of Hickory as "Beemer Harrell Day." Friends were invited to visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at the home of Beemer Harrell and Julia Rush, at 216 Union Square in downtown Hickory. The interment of ashes was held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, in the memorial garden at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, followed by a service celebrating Beemer's life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Alban's Church Choir, Exodus Homes or Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley. Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Beemer C. Harrell family.