Hershel Hoyt Harrell

Mr. Hershel Hoyt Harrell, age 91, beloved husband of June Baggs Harrell, former longtime residents of Soperton, GA, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, December 24, 2025. He was at his home at Terra Bella Senior Living in Athens, GA surrounded by family.

Born in Soperton, he was the only child of the late Elmo Franklin Harrell and Thera Annie Spivey Harrell. Growing up in Treutlen County, he was a graduate of Soperton High School, Class of 1952. After high school, he attended South Georgia College in Douglas, GA on a basketball scholarship before enrolling at the University of Georgia. He later attended Valdosta State which is where he met his future wife, Nashville, GA native, June Baggs. They married on July 21, 1957.

In their early marriage, the Harrells lived in Atlanta and Soperton before spending time in Baton Rouge and Philadelphia. They returned to Soperton in 1968 to take over Mr. Harrell's father's business, the EZ Way convenience store. In 1980, Mr. Harrell sold the EZ Way and started a 20 year career with Ryder and Yellow Truck Lines as a Labor Relations negotiator. During this time, the Harrells lived in Memphis, Kansas City, Jacksonville and Atlanta. Mr. Harrell retired in 2000 when he and his wife returned to Soperton to live in the family home next door to the EZ Way. In 2023, they moved to Athens to be near children.

As a child, the Harrell family attended Harmony Baptist Church and in later years, Mr. and Mrs. Harrell attended the Soperton Methodist Church.

He was an avid golfer, enjoyed being outdoors and always made special efforts to attend his children's activities. He also loved watching his favorite sports teams, the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. To many of his children's friends, the house on Second Street became like a 2nd home. The Harrells welcomed all with love and kindness.

Mr. Harrell leaves behind his wife of 68 years, June Baggs Harrell, their children, Richard "Rick" Harrell (Kathy), Peachtree City, GA and Suzanne Harrell Perry (Rev. J. Mark), Athens, GA; four grandchildren, Dr. Kevin Harrell (Erin O'Shea), Anna Harrell Varghese (Dr. Jordan Varghese), Alex Perry and Andrew Perry (Mary); great grandchildren, Nell and Lydia Varghese and Gibson and Wilfred Perry.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in the Soperton Methodist Church with his son-in-law, Reverend J. Mark Perry, officiating.

Mr. Harrell will be laid to rest, privately, in the Harrell family plot in Westview Cemetery.

His family will receive friends, on the day of the service, from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Soperton Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Extra Special People, Inc. (esp) online at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/extra-special-people-inc-esp/in-memory-of-hoyt-harrell or send a check to ESP, 189 VFW Drive, Watkinsville, GA 30677.

Please share a memory, leave a condolence message and sign the online guest register at www.sammonsfuneralhome.com

SAMMONS FUNERAL HOME, Family Owned and Operated Since 1917

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