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J. Harrell Obituary

HARRELL Funeral services for J. Andy Harrell, 53, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, July 27 in the Hobson Auditorium, First Baptist Church in downtown Jacksonville, with Reverend Kevin D. King officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL. A lifelong resident of Jacksonville, FL, Mr. Harrell died suddenly on Saturday, July 21, 2007. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as deacon and had taught a Middle School Sunday School class for boys of the Mandarin area for 10 years. Andy was a graduate of Englewood High School, class of 1972. He worked as a building and maintenance coordinator for the St. John's County School System and was an indispensable handyman for his family and friends. Andy was an avid fisherman and boating enthusiast. He loved to cook, especially grilling and making his own special barbeque sauce which he shared liberally. Andy's first love was his Lord, Jesus Christ whom he had served faithfully since childhood. In all else, Andy had a tremendous sense of humor and wherever he was, he worked hard to make people laugh. He leaves an empty spot that will be filled only through our memories. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Donna Fowler Harrell; a son, John W. (Ashley) Harrell; twin grandchildren, grandson, Conner Harrell and granddaughter, Madison Harrell; brothers, Stephen (Sherry) Harrell and Bryan (Joyce) Harrell; sisters, Kay (Les) Robinson, Penny (Greg) Fleming and Suzanne (Steve) Jenkins; and many other family members and friends. Andy lived his life for others and his Lord. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven". In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Middle School Department, Jacksonville, FL. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Boulevard, South where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2007. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union from Jul. 25 to Jul. 26, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for J. Harrell

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AVEN WARREN

August 24, 2007

ANDY TODAY IS YOUR EARTHLY B.D I WONDER IF WE CELEBRATE OUR B.D'S IN HEAVEN.YOU ARE TRULY MISSED.GOD WILL SHOWER SPECIAL LOVE ON ALL THAT LOVES AND REMEMBERS YOU.

Larry and Martha Johns

August 21, 2007

Donna, Just wanted to let you know that we are still thinking and praying for you. We can't imagine how heavy and sad your heart must be. Our prayer is that you will fine comfort in the Lord and in knowing that Andy is "home". Please contact us if you would like to talk or you think of something that we can do for you.
....Larry and Martha Johns

Dan Parker

August 21, 2007

Donna and John,

My mom just sentme the news that Andy passed. My dad passed away 2 years ago, so I know the void that Andy has left in your lives. I just want you to know that He was a very influential person in my life, and I'm thankful to have known him. I have a picture of John, Jason and I at our graduation party, it's a great reminder to me of that chapter of our lives.

If you need anything at all, feel free to email me - [email protected]

Kim Bogert

August 19, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you can find solace in knowing Andy was a dear friend to many of us at Webster, and a true advocate for all of our kids. His presence and his warm smile will be missed by all of us, but his legacy will live on. Thank you for sharing him with us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Leigh Ann Gray

August 16, 2007

Dear. Donna and Family,

I'am sorry about the lost of Andy Harrell, but he is now in a better place now he his in heaven rejoice and singing. But my prayers go out to you and your family made the Lord be with you has you and your family go threw hard time now.

August 10, 2007

Donna, You & all the family are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm glad Dave was able to help you out during your time of need. I was out of state at the time. We enjoyed having Andy & you in our neighborhood get togethers. He was always such a jolly person. He would always stop and talk when Mildred & I met him when we used to walk. I know you will all be fine.
Dave & Lorraine Wilson

Donny Furr

August 2, 2007

Dear Donna and family,
Andy was a Christ like example for all his family and friends. Our lives are richer for having him in our family. We were at the Foster Drive family reunion and the testimony he gave will effect future generations. Love and prayers Donny and Paula Furr

Brandon Alligood

July 30, 2007

Mr. Harrell was my sunday school teacher back when i was in middle school and i will never forget him. The impact that he made on my life will last forever. im 20 yrs old now, live in TN, and i am in the Marines. I will never Forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Jim Kane

July 30, 2007

Donna, John & Family,

I'm sad........really, really sad.
But I guess time will let me laugh and think about how I always looked forward to bumping into Andy. I'll think about him often.

Jean Lee Allen

July 30, 2007

Steve,
Sorry to see that your brother passed away. Your family are in my prayers,
Jean Lee Allen

STEVE AND MELANIE DEEN

July 29, 2007

Dear John and family,
We are so blessed to know that Jesus is sustaining you through the death of your father/husband. The loss is unsurmountable. Donna, we know that you will miss Andy's companionship. John and family- we know there are alot of memories to happen that you wish your father was there to join. We just praise the Lord that you know our Lord and lean on Him through this time. We love ya'll and appreciate your testimony of your knowledge of your relationship with Jesus. John, your words at your father's "Celebration" were anointed. You are a special person, and we know your father's love and guidance have had an impact on your life. We love you and appreciate you.
Love to you and your family--

Mr. and Mrs. Deen

Robbie & Betty Bishop

July 28, 2007

Dear Donna,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Andy. My parents told me today. Even though we haven't seen each other in quite some time, we still grieve for your loss. Remember when Robbie and Andy played softball at San Souci Baptist Church, that was always so much fun. Just remember "Smile because it happened not because it is over."

Larry Newton

July 27, 2007

Steve (ChiChi) Harrell,
Sorry to see the passing of Andy. May the spirit our our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you during this time. Think of you often, Your brother in Christ.
Larry Newton

Curtis Estes

July 27, 2007

Dear Donna,
I am not sure if I ever met you at FBC but I knew Andy well from Middle School and got to know him well as he came out to the Hilliard camp for paintball, etc. He always fed the boys well. He was such an awesome, kind and gentle man who loved young people and the Lord. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He will be greatly missed. I am now serving the Lord in New Zealand but I saw the information in this column on the internet. My family is praying for yours. I am so glad this is not goodbye forever, but only so long for now. I look forward to the day we all meet in heaven with our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May God be with you during this difficult time.

Beverly Kidd

July 26, 2007

Donna, we are sorry for your loss but we know Andy is seeing the face of Jesus his Saviour. We go back a long way and became friends while at San Souci Baptist Church. Remember the Disney trip and the little camper we had? We have lots of good memories of our friendship.
Love,
Beverly and Eddie Kidd

Jack Edwards

July 26, 2007

We are all richer at the Webster School for having known Andy for the past year. He provided a positive role model for all of us through his cheerfulness, integrity, patience, and dedication to his job. His spirit will live on at Webster.

Sara Wilmer

July 26, 2007

Dear Donna and (John John) Dan and I were so saddened to hear of Andy's passing, but are certain of were he is now. Our days with Andy, you & John go back to the days of being at Sans Souci Baptist. It was always a pleasure to run into you and Andy when we would visit FBJ. Please know we are lifting you and your family up in prayer. We love you all very much. Remember God WILL see you through this.
Dan & Sara (Strickland) Wilmer

Mary Heard

July 26, 2007

Goodbye my dear cousin and friend. I will miss you, as I am sure your family will. May you rest in peace and God be with you.

Jennifer Rivera

July 26, 2007

Dear Mrs.Donna & Family, I wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about Mr. Harrell. As you know I am Dr.Saliba's medical asst.I always enjoyed Mr.Harrell's conversations when he came to the office. And I can't forget to mention the fried turkeys he used to make every year for the office. Boy did we look forward to that. He was always so nice and always made me laugh or put a smile on my face when he came in. He will be missed very much. If there is anything you or your family need please don't hesitate to call the office. Love to all Jennifer Rivera M.A.

Libby Ford

July 26, 2007

Andy is my cousin and friend of whom I will surely miss. In recent years we didn't get to spend as much time together as we would have liked but we always knew the family bond was there. I'm sure he's with our other family loved ones that have gone on before us. In fact he's probably asking my Mom (Aunt Gayle) did she bake him his favorite Banana cake to welcome him Home. Andy was a great testimony to others of how to live a Godly life. My love & prayers will be with all the family through this difficult time as we all have to say Good Bye to Andy for now, until we meet him again!

Sharon Green

July 26, 2007

Dear Donna,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Andy was such a blessing to John (my husband)& I. As you know, they went to school together. Andy witnessed to John many times during their years together. Many years later, John received Christ. Andy had a part in planting a seed in John's life. Please let John (your son) and his family they are also in our prayers.
Sharon Green

Becky Dugat aka Touchton

July 26, 2007

I remember Andy as a very up beat,bold,funny and a true MAN of GODS word. He was never afraid to say exactly what was on his mind. I didn't get much time to spend with Andy as an adult but when the occassion happened, Andy was the same person I grew up around, he did not change.
One question that Andy asked me years ago when he found out I was living in Starke that will stay with me, He said"There are three kinds of people who live in Starke, There are people who go to church, there are people who go to church and the bars and there are people who do not go to church at all. what one are you?"
My heart and sympathy go out to all the family & friends, Andy will be greatly missed.

Billie Corley

July 26, 2007

We are sorry for your loss. Please know our prayers are with you and the family.
Ben and Billie Corley
(friends of Kay and Les Robinson)

Terry Monroe

July 26, 2007

Donna, John, Ashley & babies,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, dad, father-in-law and grandpa. After talking with Donna on Sunday I know that he was all these things to each of you and no one will ever be able to replace that in your lives. I know that you take comfort in knowing that he is with Jesus and pray that you will hold on to that fact in the days that lie ahead for each of you. Keep those memories alive for those grandbabies and they will come to love him as much as you all do.

Don & Deborah Zodun & Myrna Coffee

July 26, 2007

Donna and John:
We are so thankful to have had the honor to know Andy. The times we have shared with your family is very special to us. Andy always made us smile! His joy in the Lord Jesus Christ was always present and his desire to serve his Savior was an example to everyone. We will miss him and look forward to seeing him again.

Rachelle Spencer

July 26, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with Andy's entire family. There will remain a nice reminder of what a talented man he was whenever someone walks into The Webster School. His waterfall will remind us of him. God Bless All of Andy's family and friends.

Bill Dorminy

July 26, 2007

We greive with those that greive and also rejoice with those who rejoice that Andy's name is written in the book of Life. He will be missed, but only for awhile. Jesus said, let your heart not be troubled... Where I go, I go to prepare a place for you that we may be together always. We will meet again, and again it will be Andy taking the lead, showing us all around and all the neat things that God has prepared for our life together in eternity. We mourn the loss but we rejoice in the surity of a eternity with our dear freind and Savior Jesus.We love you all.
Bill & Lyne Dorminy

Michael and Sandi Melkonian

July 26, 2007

Donna, John, Ashley, Conner, Maddie and Extended Family and Friends,
We grieve with you the loss of your husband, father, father-in-law, Papa, and friend. Andy lived his life as Christ lived his, with joy, love, kindness, compassion, charity, and faithful service to God our father. We cry for him from our own lonliness that we do not see his earthly presence now. We rejoice to know that he is now free of pain and suffering and is with God our father in heaven. Andy must be the best gaurdian angel of all now, watching over his family and friends from his heavenly home. Let the peace and comfort of God's love surround you, for we know that all things work togethter for good to them that love God.
Love,
Michael and Sandi Melkonian

Larry and Bonnie Strickland

July 26, 2007

you will be missed so much by everyone who knew you .Iknow I never told you how proud I was of you for the life you led but I was very proud

Palmer A. Touchton II & family (aka Bubba)

July 26, 2007

Dear Donna, John and family - please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. I have found that the memories go on forever as will Andy with our Father in heaven. Although many of my memories of Andy were as a young boy growing up in Foster Drive Baptist Church, it's not to say that it stopped there. He was the best when it come to 'pranks' however, he was the most serious when it came to the Lord! I know there will be a day when we are reunited - until then .... GOD SPEED.

Kathy Roberts

July 25, 2007

Donna and John:
Words cannot express how heartbroken I am about losing Andy. I know words cannot express or help the pain you feel right now about his loss. Thank God our sorrow is not without hope; we know we will see him again in heaven. It is so comforting to know he is there.

I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to spend time with Andy over the last few years, as well as my other cousins from Florida. That time spent with you all has been a treasure to me. I love you all so much. Andy was such a special person. What a personality and what fun to be around. More importantly, what a great person. I will miss him so much!

I will especially be praying for you--Donna and John. I can't begin to imagine how hard this must be for you, but I do know God's grace is sufficient for every trial.

May God's grace and strength sustain you at this time of sorrow.

Patsy Harden

July 25, 2007

Andy was my cousin and meant a lot to me and my family. He was a Christian man and he walked with the Lord daily and I know where he is today! Recently we had a reunion at our home church, Foster Drive and Andy gave a wonderful testimony that night. He said he didn't want to ever miss an opportunity to witness for Jesus. I wouldn't be surprised if Andy and Daddy were fishing right now! We will certainly miss you! Love Patsy and Billy.

Robert L. Williams

July 25, 2007

Andy will be greatly missed.My mentor my friend.

Roy & Maxine Duke

July 25, 2007

So sorry about Andy's passing.I know you will find strength in the Lord.You have our sympathy.

Linda Smith

July 25, 2007

Andy was my cousin and meant a lot to me. When we were growing up Andy was always the jokester in the family and he continued to play pranks throughout his life. But when it came to talking about his Lord he was very serious. He was a wonderful person and a great friend. I will truly miss him; but I know he's with Rick now!

Wanda and Butch, Seleda and James Mathis

July 25, 2007

Dear Donna and John and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear about Andy. We all know Andy is in heaven with our father,probally making him laugh. Please know that you are loved greatly and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Love,

Shonte Lee

July 25, 2007

My prayers and thoughts are with your family during this time. Upon meeting Andy I looked forward to working with him as my new supervisor at Webster Elementary School.

KEN & MARY BADGETT

July 25, 2007

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Toni Coleman

July 25, 2007

I worked with Andy at St John's detention. He and his family will be in my prayers. Rest in peace.

Jane & Rich Tylski

July 25, 2007

Donna, Andy will be greatly missed in our neighborhood. He was so good to our boys allowing them to fish and shoot squirrels on your property. He was always so kind and giving. We will also miss his fried catfish! Our prayers and thoughts and with you and your family. God bless and wrap His arms around you. Love, The Tylski Family

Mary Jo John

July 25, 2007

Dear Donna,
Your Dad told Peggy about the passing of your husband, and I wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I didn't have the privilege of knowing your husband, but I'm sure he had to be a special man to win your heart. My prayer is that God will grant you and your family His peace which passes all understanding at this difficult time.
Love and prayers,
Mary Jo (McGuire) John

Dave Shrout Big Chief Tire Co.

July 25, 2007

I went to Englewood High School with Andy. Man those were the days.. Andy remodeled both of my bathrooms,and turned me on to his Awesome BBQ sauce,He was a man of many talents, God should feel proud to have him by his side,As I am proud to say he was my friend.

Shirlee and Derry Lewis

July 25, 2007

Donna and family,

Derry and I are so sorry about Andy's passing. There are no words in the dictionary that truely expresses our sorrow. Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how brightly it burned. We love you and your family.
PS I know that he is up in Heaven listening to one of Mr. Lewis stories.

Bonita Culbreth (Weight Watchers)

July 25, 2007

Donna, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time as you celebrate the life and Godly legacy of Andy and his homegoing. May God continue to sustain each of you with His peace that passes all understanding, and may you continue to find comfort in knowing that although Andy is absent from the body, He is present with the Lord. I can hear the Lord saying to Andy, "Well done My good and faithful servant".

Marie Vertule

July 25, 2007

I worked with Andy at St John's detention center for abouth 2 years. I hope that his family find strength in the Lord to deal with this great lost. Rest in peace Andy.

M.Vertule, St.John Detention

AVEN WARREN

July 25, 2007

ANDY IS MY COUSIN I LOVE HIM I AM HAPPY TO KNOW HE IS HEAVEN SHARING ALL ABOUT HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.I AM ASKING GOD TO GIVE HIS FAMILY A DOUBLE PORTION OF ALL THEY NEED TO HELP THEM THROUGH THIS HURTING TIME

Marha/Larry Johns

July 25, 2007

Donna, We can't believe that Andy is gone. Our prayers are with you and your family. Even though we haven't seen each other in quite some time, we still grieve for your loss. We pray you will find comfort from the Lord. We remember Andy as being fun-loving and laughing. We bet he is really having a blast in Heaven!!! God bless you.

Greg and Penny Fleming

July 25, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I think this poem best conveys our thoughts:

" The Broken Chain "
We little knew that morning that God
Was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone;
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
Your love is still our guide;
And though we can not see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same;
But as God calls us one by one,
THE CHAIN will link again.

Sharon Smith

July 25, 2007

I worked with Andy in St. Johns Juvenile Detention, he was the maintenance man of the building. He was always smiling, telling joke and cooking. He is my friend and I will miss him dearly, we talked about his grandchildren and he would always show me the lastest pictures of them. He left detention and went to work with the school board, and even though I new it was a better position, DJJ lost an excellent person when they lost Andy. My prayers are with his family and friends. Sharon

Gary Stidham

July 25, 2007

Andy was a good friend and will be missed. He was so proud of his twin grandbabies, he couldn't wait to show them off. He had me put them on his computer at SJRJDC, so everyday when he turned his computer on he would see their smiling faces. If you were having a bad day Andy would pop in and tell one of his jokes and instantly brighten my day. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Your Friend,
282

David and Cindy Walker

July 25, 2007

Donna - David and I were so sorry to hear the sad news of Andy. I can only imagine what you must be going through. Please know that David and I are sending love and prayers your way.

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