James Edward Harrell, Sr.

Daddy’s Gone….

I was told the story of the father who was an alcoholic, and he had two sons. One son grew up to be just like the father and the other grew up to be totally different from him. When they were asked why they turned out the way they are, they both responded – “I’m the way I am today because of my father…” This story lets me know it is our choice on how we allow others to impact us.

When I see this picture of me as a young child with my daddy – I struggle….. but if I could talk with him one more time this is what I would say…

I ALWAYS wanted to have a close relationship with you…

I named my first son after you to honor you…

My second son desired the same relationship I wanted with you, and he reached out to you - just as I did…

I tried to force you to be the daddy I wanted you to be…

It really hurts when I am in your presence, and your friends say, “Aw, James I didn’t know you had a son.”

I gave up on having a relationship with you.

I remember a few years later I was driving down a street and I heard a horn blowing. Someone was trying to get my attention. It was you. You pulled me over on the street, and we talked for a while. That was a happy day in my life! You said how you missed me and wanted me to come around more. It was at this pivotal point I realized you loved me but just didn’t know how to show it. These last few years have made my life more complete because our relationship was getting better.

I thank you for that. I am at a peaceful place in my life, and I thank you for opening those doors. ….so now……Daddy’s gone…… ….and I am still here… …and I have chosen to carry the better memories of you in my heart and am trying to pass them on to my sons and grandchildren…. … I love you, Dad …

- Jimmy

(James Edward Harrell, Jr.)

Death.... My Explanation

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side?” Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know...” You don’t know? You’re a Christian Man, and you don’t know what’s on the other side?” The doctor was holding the handle of the door, on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my dog? He has never been in this room before. He didn’t know what was inside.

He knows nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that’s enough.”

So Dad: You are my hardest goodbye, and I understand your spranging into the next room, “You Heard Your Master’s Voice.”

Missing You Now and Loving You Always,

Felicia

“We’ll always remember you Grampa because there’ll never be another one to replace you in our hearts, and the love we will always have for you.”

from Grandchildren Britney (The Lady), James, III (Jeht), Cedric (Cid), Jamaal (Fat Boy), Joslynn (Chinese), Jaqulynn (Toota), Diamonique (Ruff), Jyron (Sumo), LaBrynn (Red), Jaelynn (Kiss Kiss) , Kenadi (Fat Momma), Jakayelynn (Butta), Jordan (Mad Man)

LTributes oving

When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little–but not too long And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me–but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take And each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart Go to the friends we know And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss Me–But Let me Go!

To My Favorites

C

herished Memories

R R eflections L eflections of

ife

James Edward Harrell, Sr.,

known to most as “Rip” Harrell was born on March 6, 1943, to the late Lucille and Rev. David E. Harrell. “Rip” accepted Christ at an early age and attended Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Brady Johnson and his father who was the Associate Pastor.

“Rip” attended Klondike Elementary & Junior High Schools. He was a graduate of the Class of 1961 at Manassas High School. He immediately enlisted in the United States Army where he served four years in the infantry and was a member of the Fort Benning, GA Band. “Rip” was employed by Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, John Morrell & Company, and Kimberly Clark / Shepard Tissue Company and ended his employment as a union representative with P.A.C.E. “Rip” was united in Holy Matrimony for forty plus years to the ilate Mary E. Harrell and he became an active member of the Church of the Living God, Temple 71 where he served faithfully and became the chairman of the deacon board. Upon “Rip’s” illness, his grandson, Jamaal Harrell, whom he took to heart as his very own child, graciously became his caregiver.

“Rip” fought a good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith, and on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, the Lord decided to call “Rip” to eternal rest, and he answered the call. “Rip” was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and Rev. David E. Harrell, his wife, Mary E. Harrell, his brothers & sisters, Joan Winston, David A. Harrell, Linda McNeil, Sandra Humphrey and Michael Harrell, and his grandchildren Joseph and Briyonna.

“Rip” memories will be cherished and shared by his children, Felicia Blocker (Lamar), James Edward Harrell Jr., Mareena Harrell-Ship, and Lynnetta Harrell; fourteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; his brothers, Benjamin Ray Harrell (Barbara) and Charles Harrell (Eleanor), a sister (in-law) Zaddie Blake (Joseph, Jr.) and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Celebration The Celebration of Life Friday, February 16, 2018 11:00 A.M.

Church of the Living God Temple 71

1672 Vesey Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38114

Bishop Harold Edwards Pastor ~ Officiating

Processional Music Selection...............................................................................................................Choir C.O.T.L.G. #71 Scriptures:

Old Testament......................................................................................................Elder Emmett Brown

New Testament.................................................................................................Min. Rochelle Hubanks Prayer......................................................................................................................................................Pulpit Solo..................................................................................................................................................Soni Blake

Expressions:

(Respectfully 3 Minutes, Please)

Doris Smith...............................................................Neighbor Tommy Parrish........................................................Co-worker James Flagg..................................................................Friend

Silent Reading of the Obituary Soft Music

Acknowledgements......................................................................................................Evangelist Idella Brown Music Selection...............................................................................................................Choir C.O.T.L.G. #71 Eulogy..........................................................................................................................Bishop Harold Edwards Recessional.......................................................................................................................................Soft Music ~Remains will not be viewed after Eulogy~

~The Living Memorial ~

A Tree will be planted in a National Forest as a Living Memorial to James Edward Harrell, Sr. This service is offered by Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc. through Batesville Casket Company, the United States Forest Service and Ontario Canada’s Grand Valley Conservation Foundation.

~Acknowledgements ~

The family of James Edward “Rip” Harrell, Sr. would like to take the opportunity to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all the love and expressions that we have received during our time of need. Your visits, calls, texts, flowers, cards, thoughts and kindness are a gracious reminder of the provisions of our God. We have been significantly blessed by everyone, and we are forever grateful.

~Flower Bearers ~ Ushers

~Honorary Pallbearers ~

Benjamin Ray Harrell Joseph Blake, Jr. Chester Pleasant

Charles Harrell Claude Humphrey Oscar Tshibanda

~Active Pallbearers ~

Zoney Tinker III Jyron Byers Jamaal Harrell Charles Harrell Ralpheal Johnson Clevon Whiteside

~Committal Rites & Interment ~ Friday, February 16, 2018 @ 1:30 P.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38125

~Repast ~

Church of the Living God Temple 71 Fellowship Hall 1672 Vesey Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38114

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