Ernest Harrell, Jr.

Ernest Harrell, Jr., age 93 of Alamo, TX, died December 1, 2023, at McAllen Heart Hospital in McAllen, TX. 

Ernie was born August 29, 1930, during the Great Depression, to Ernest B. Harrell and Sarah Catherine Harrell.  He lost his mother Sarah at seven years of age when a flood swept through Paragould, AR in 1937.  He often took care of his three younger siblings and worked on his uncle's farm. Ernie attended school in Monette, AR. 
 
He married Shirley Jean Thompson on November 3, 1950, and served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He was stationed in Japan and received an honorable discharge in the early 1950's.

Ernie was baptized at Forest Grove General Baptist church in Cardwell, MO as a young man.  After marriage to Shirley, he attended Ivan Court General Baptist Church and First General Baptist Church in Flint, MI, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and trustee.  After moving to Paris, TN in 1975, he attended Springhill Baptist Church and Temple Baptist Church.  After retiring to Texas, Ernie was a member of Church of the King in McAllen.

Ernie spent many Friday nights bowling with friends on a church league with his wife Shirley in the 1960's and 70's.  He followed the Atlanta Braves baseball team, toured the country on motorcycles, and had his pilot's license.  Ernie enjoyed airplanes, cars, golf, and fishing on Kentucky Lake and Lake Michigan with family.  In his later years, Ernie spent his time with retirement friends in Texas, fishing and hosting family near Padre Island.

Ernie worked in farming and excelled in his career selling tractors, trucks, and automobiles over the course of 35 years.  He was employed by Blue Arrow Douglas, C.S. Motors (International Harvester), and Allis Chalmers. He owned his own automobile business in Paris–Gate 3 Sales. 

Ernie is survived by his wife, Lorraine Farmer Harrell.  He is also survived by descendants with his wife Shirley Thompson Harrell: four children, Max Harrell (Nancy), Mark Harrell (Janice), Jeris Harrell Hamm (Kenny), and Jan Harrell Young (Steve); 16 grandchildren, James Harrell, Jason Harrell, Kelley Harrell Miles, Sarah Harrell Spurgeon, Benjamin Harrell, Robert Harrell, Jared Austin Hamm, Jacob Hamm, Julie Hamm Doyle, Terry Presson, Christopher Matheny, Steven Cody Matheny, Stephen K. Young II, Ernest Joel Young, Taylor Harrell, and Courtland Harrell Nall; 28 great-grandchildren, Lauren Harrell, Luke Harrell, Joshua Harrell, Nathan Harrell, Elise Harrell, Marissa Harrell, Katelyn Miles Gonzalez, Isaiah Miles, Griffin Hanen, Phoenix Spurgeon, Jackson Spurgeon, Jameson Spurgeon, Madelyn Spurgeon, Parker Harrell, River Harrell, Lucas Hamm, Adrienne Hamm, William Parker Hamm, Caleb Hamm, Colin Hamm, Dillon Doyle, Darby Doyle, Justus Presson, Josiah Matheny, Tori Matheny, Penelope Matheny, Patrick Matheny, Hawkins Nall; and one great-great grandson, Elliott James Miles.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one son, Jay Todd Harrell; two siblings, James Harrell and Catherine Harrell Delovich; and baby granddaughter Morgan Arista Harrell.

The body was cremated. 

Local arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.  A memorial service will be Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at Ridgeway Funeral Home in Paris.

Memorials may be made in memory of Ernie to Gideons International for Bibles at www.gideons.org or click on the link below this obituary.