Luther Earl Harrell

Stockton, CA

Luther Earl Harrell

Sept. 16, 1950 - November 30, 2007

Luther Earl Harrell "Lou" was born to Luther and Mattie Harrell on September 16, 1950. He was a lifelong native of Stockton, CA. Luther was a constant help-mate for his grandmother, Lucille Adger, who was blind. His nurtur-ing and compassionate spirit grew as he was dedicated to servicing his mother's needs. He loved and treasured family values. Maintaining a "B" average, Luther was educated at McKinley Elementary, Marshall Jr. High and Edison High Schools. He majored in Business and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Joaquin Delta College. Luther truly enjoyed his career. He was employed for 30 years with the San Joaquin County Human Services Department.

As a youth, he worked at Project Identity and had a newspaper route for the Stockton record. His work ethics were trained early as he labored with his brothers in vegetable fields. Luther had a passion for music. As a youth, he played the alto saxophone in the marching pep and advanced bands. He helped organize the musical group, "The Grand Prix" and continental bands. They toured as a backup band for The Ballads, The Whispers, Etta James and others. He was an avid tennis player. His best friend, Bernard Missouri, was his greatest competition. He was a master chess player and loved to decorate his beautiful home for the holidays. He exemplified the meaning of "Mr. Cool" and was meticulous in his suits and natural grey afro."Lou" was on everybody's guest list. His mother says, "He was a gourmet cook and cooked ribs so good it will make you slap 'yo mama! Upon retiring, Luther planned to continue perfecting his culinary talents and go fishing a lot. One of Luther's proudest moments in life was the dedication of the neighborhood park named for his mother, Mattie Harrell,

Preceding Luther in death were his grandparents, Sam and Lucile Adger and Elrena Harrell and his bother, Bruce Harrell. He leaves to cherish his memory: his parents, Luther and Mattie Smith-Harrell; two sisters, Velma Harrell, Sacramento, CA and Connie Harrell, Stockton, CA; four brothers, Raymond Williams (Cozette) and Anthony Harrell, both of Stockton, CA, Wayne Harrell (Lisa) Pittsburg, CA and Hulen Harrell, Oakland, CA, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. His memory will live in the hearts of his family, friends and co-workers.

Services will be held Friday, December 7, 2007, 12 noon at Scottish Rite Temple, 33 W. Alpine Ave., Stockton, CA 95204.

Final resting place, Stockton Rural Cemetery. Repass immediately following burial service, the Brick House, 30 S. El Dorado St., Stockton, CA.