Msgt Joe Tom Harrell, Usaf (Ret.)

On Thursday, October 25, 2018, Joe Tom Harrell, loving husband and father of three, passed from this earth at the age of 84. He was surrounded by family as he stepped into eternity.

Joe Tom was born at his family’s home on May 6, 1934 in Telfair County Georgia to Willie Hugh and Virginia Elizabeth (Holland) Harrell. He was raised on the family farm along with his two brothers Willie Hugh Jr. “Bo” and George Robert “Hotshot” Harrell. Joe Tom is a graduate of Ocmulgee High School in 1953 where he was a high school athlete, playing basketball and running track. Joe Tom was chosen as “Most Likely to Succeed” in his graduating class. He attended both South Georgia College and the University of Georgia.

In 1954, Joe Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force where he would serve for the next 21 years. He served assignments in England, California, Georgia, Germany, Mississippi, the Philippines and Texas. Joe Tom served during both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He retired as a Master Sargent.

In October of 1959, Joe Tom married his life-long love, Esther Lee Knight. Together they were blessed with three children, Scott, Joni and Pamela.
After retirement, Joe Tom began a second career in the Office Supply Field. He worked for both Ivan Allen Office Supply and Shaheen Office Supply before owning his own company, Peach Valley Office Supply.

Joe Tom has served the business community as a member of both the Kiwanis and Chamber of Commerce. After selling his business, he continued to work into retirement with AVS Vending, Macon Memorial Park and McCullough Funeral Homes. He retired permanently, as his health declined, at the age of 79.

As a young airman he attended a Billy Graham Crusade in California where he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. Since that day, he has faithfully served Christ everywhere God has sent him. He was ordained a Deacon in Trinity Baptist Church in Biloxi. MS in 1970 and has served in that role and many others in every church God has placed him. Joe Tom is a member at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Macon, GA. Most recently a member of Shirley Hills Baptist Church in Warner Robins through which he served for over 30 years.

Joe Tom is preceded in death by his parents, both brothers and his daughter, Joni Anita Harrell. He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Esther K. Harrell, son Scott Harrell (Lynn), daughter Pamela Huesser (Brandon), Grandchildren; Jacob Benson (Katie), Lacey Hantho (Andrew), Sarah, Joshua and Lydia Harrell and 5 great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 29, 2018, at Shirley Hills Baptist Church located at 615 Corder Road, Warner Robins, GA. Visitation with the family will be held at 1:00 p.m in the church sanctuary. Interment will follow in Magnolia Park Cemetery, with full military honors, where his mortal body will rest next to his daughter’s.
Memorial donations may be given to the Parkinson’s Foundation at 1359 Broadway Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018 or Pine Pointe Hospice at 6261 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mr. Harrell’s arrangements.