Bobby Eugene Harrell

Bobby Eugene Harrell was born in Alto, LA, on February 9, 1937, and died in his home in West Monroe, LA, surrounded by his family on June 12, 2023. He was one of six children.

Sometime before the first grade, his family moved to Yazoo City, Mississippi. After the 7th grade in 1951, they moved to West Monroe, LA, following the death of their father. Bob went to Crosley School and then to Ouachita High School. West Monroe High School opened; so, he went there for his last two years of high school.
Bob met Jeanette Haley at a party at a skating rink. "I let her chase me for a while,”
Bob would always say. Apparently, he let her catch him because they eloped on September 16, 1954, and were secretly married for a year before anyone knew. And then somehow, almost 69 years of marriage flew by in a flash. Years filled with careers at the News Star newspaper, Diamond Power, Research & Development at Graphic Packaging, 4 children, 13 grandchildren, a boatload of great grandchildren, and a retirement home on Caney Lake that didn’t last too long because turns out grandkids’ ballgames were better than the lake life. He loved watching his grandkids play ball. He was always 2 hours early to get the best seat and to be ready to coach the umpires and referees.

Bob loved the Lord and pointed his family toward Jesus. He and Jeanette were very involved at Welcome Home Church of God where he taught Sunday School for many years. He loved to invent things and was always working on a project. If it needed fixing, he would have the part here from Amazon or eBay before you could blink. He loved music. He and Jeanette have played country & gospel music every other Friday night with their “Calhounigans” for over 20 years now.

He may have wanted everyone to think he was rough and grouchy sometimes, but you’d have a hard time finding a heart more tender than Bob’s - especially when it came to Jeanette. She has always been hot-natured and most of the time, you would walk in to a chilly house: Jeanette as cool as a cucumber with Bob beside her in a long sleeve shirt, pants, wool socks, a jacket and a blanket up to his chin. He sang “I’d Love You All Over Again” to her at their 50th anniversary party and there’s not a doubt he meant every word.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jeanette Haley Harrell; his son, Brad Harrell; daughters, Julie Woodall and husband, Robert and Jill Davis and husband, Roy; daughter-in-law, Mary Harrell. 13 grandchildren: Darby Harrell (Rachel), Robbie Woodall (Tiffany), Halie Coleman (Curtis), Chris Woodall, Blake Davis (Kelli), Cody Woodall (Melanie), Daniel Harrell (Kiley), Chad Harrell (Shannon), Jacob Davis (Brandi), Molly Cummings (Justin), Dustin Harrell, Caleb Harrell, and Emily Harrell; 25 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Bob is also survived by a sister, Allene Hines of Pioneer, LA, and sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Nita Buckelew, Sandy Whittington and husband, Buster and numerous other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Scotty Harrell; parents, Nolan & Jessie Harrell; brothers, Nolan “Bubba” Harrell  and John Harrell; sisters, Betty Baugh and Shirley Wyatt; and great-grandson, Colton Davis.

A graveside service honoring Bob and celebrating his life will be held at Kilpatrick Serenity Gardens in West Monroe, LA, on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.