Garry Wayne Harrell

Garry Wayne Harrell July 31, 1957 – October 24, 2025
Garry Wayne Harrell, 68, of Norman, OK, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025. Born on July 31, 1957, in Oklahoma City, Garry moved with his mother and brother to the Ardmore area at the age of two, where he spent much of his life until relocating with his family to Texas in 2001. In 2004, they returned to Oklahoma, settling in Norman to be closer to family.
Garry was a man of deep faith, humility, and wisdom. He dedicated much of his life to ministry as a praise and worship minister, passionately guiding others into the presence of God. He served faithfully at Unity Missionary Baptist Church/Ekklesia/Bethel/Ardmore Christian Center in Ardmore, OK (1983–1999), Kingdom Life Ministries in Waxahachie, TX (2001–2003), Covenant Church in Noble, OK (2005–2009), and most recently at HighPoint Church in Ardmore (2023–2025). He also led the local March for Jesus and City Prayer Walks in Ardmore (1998-2000).
Anyone who knew him would say that worship wasn't just something he did - it was the essence of who he was. His love for God flowed through his voice and his flute, and he had a rare gift for leading others into a deeply meaningful worship. Whether in a church sanctuary or a living room with a small group, he created sacred spaces where people felt the presence of God. He also wrote many original worship songs that became part of the spiritual fabric of the communities he served, songs that still echo in the hearts of those who sang them with him. Worship was his heartbeat, and through it, he touched countless lives.
In addition to his ministry, Garry worked for UPS, taught high school government, and later worked as a petroleum landman in Oklahoma, where he became a member of the Oklahoma City Association of Professional Landmen. Yet, his greatest joy came from his family and his calling to worship.
He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 48 years, Olga (Ibarra) Harrell, and eight children:
• Christopher Harrell (Megan) of Little Elm, TX, and their children Cody (Madison), Logan, Tara, and Ashlynn • Mimi Edwards (Chris) of Norman, OK, and their children Amariah, Destin, and Daxton • Isaiah Harrell of Austin, TX • Patience Yandell (Chance) of Norman, OK, and their children Evoleht, Arora, and Oliver • Victoria Gaskins (William) of Oklahoma City, OK, and their children Syrcia, Remy, Alyosha, and Salem • Angelica Wankel (Malcolm) of Norman, OK, and their children Janiyah, Gianna, and Zina • Josiah Harrell (fiancée Kelly Martinez) of Oklahoma City, OK • Gabriella Harrell of Fort Worth, TX
He is also survived by his brothers, Larry Harrell (Dee) of Ardmore, OK, and Kent Harrell (Sandy) of Tulsa, OK. Garry was preceded in death by his mother, Aline Harrell; his father, Joseph Harrell; and his grandparents, James and Ora Arnold, and Joseph and Myrtle Harrell.
A memorial service to celebrate Garry's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at First Methodist Church, 501 W Main St, Ardmore, OK 73401. All are welcome to attend.