John T. Tommy Harrell

John Thomas Harrell June 18, 1932 – April 26, 2007 John Thomas Tommy Harrell began his eternal life at 10:30 am on Thursday; April 26th, 2007 after a 10 month battle with cancer. The family will receive visitors from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home located at 6101 Bosque in Waco, Texas. Services will be 9:00 a.m. Monday, April 30 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Burial will be at Waco Memorial Park. Pastor Jim Gray, Minister of Seniors, First Baptist Church of Woodway will perform the eulogy. Tommy was born at home on June 18, 1932, to Emma Schultz Harrell and Percy Harrell in Waco, Texas. Tommy was named after the doctor who delivered him. Tommy went to South Junior High then to Waco High School where he graduated in 1950 as President of the Senior class. While attending Waco High School, Tommy was in the Band, he played Basketball and he played Football. He was a member of the football team who won the state championship in 1948. Tommy felt very honored to be associated with this great group of men who today still care for each other and hold annual reunions. After High School, Tommy attended Baylor University taking business and business management courses. Tommy served in the US Army sixth Armored Division, Company C, 91st Tank Battalion from 1953-1954 and was in Korea for 16 months. Tommy married Barbara Jo Bobbie Barnes in December 1954. They met in High School and dated while both were attending Baylor University. Bobbie and Tommy had two children, John Douglas Harrell and Dana Dee Harrell. Tommy, as he was known to all became the building force in Waco Meat Service, Inc. in 1955 and served for 42 years at it's leader and General Manager until his retirement in 1997. Tommy chose good strong hard working dependable people to help build the business that he and they can be proud of. After his retirement his children John and Dana continue to maintain his legacy at Waco Meat Service, Inc. Tommy learned to play the guitar in 1961 he played county and gospel music. Tommy loved Blue Grass music which he discovered in 1988 from then on he and Bobbie traveled to Blue Grass festivals in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. They enjoyed traveling in their RV and they found many wonderful friends. Tommy loved to pick under a shade tree with his Blue Grass friends. Tommy's music enriched the lives of family and friends. He had a beautiful singing voice and he was a singer of songs and knew the words to over 1000 songs. Tommy enjoyed his trips to South Plains College every year at Leveland, Texas or Blue Grass Music School as he called it. While at Leveland and a group of friends formed a club called the O.F.F. Club. Club members; Jim, Rosie, Alton and Dub spent many memorable hours together pickin and enjoying each others company. Tommy was a lifetime member of the Baylor Alumni Association and a member of the Torchbearers Society. Tommy was an avid sports fan and loved the Lady Bear Basketball team and was a season ticket holder and a member of the Tip-Off Club. Tommy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Woodway and a member of the Goodtimers Fellowship at the First Baptist Church of Woodway. Tommy entertained them with his Bluegrass music several times. The love and respect for Tommy has been expressed thru thoughtfulness, food, calls, visits, flowers and cards. The family appreciates your support and prayers during this difficult time. The great loves of Tommy's life include his wife of 53 years, Bobbie, his son; John Harrell and wife Carol of Waco, Texas, Grandson; Jason Muchow of Bryan, Texas and Granddaughter; Morgen Harrell of Waco, Texas. Daughter, Dana Harrell of Waco and family friend Melody M. Middaugh of Waco, Texas. Sister; Lenore Pat Gates of Waco, Texas and brother James E. Harrell and wife Adrianne of Austin, Texas along with numerous aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers will be Bill Brunson, Luther Brunson, David Gates, James Jamie Harrell, James Jabo Rubin and Jerry Swanner. There will be food and fellowship for family and friends following the service at the family home. The family would like the Thank Vista Care Hospice, Caring Hearts and Caring Senior Services and their employees who helped the past two weeks with Tommy's care. The family requests donations be made to the Women's Basketball Excellence Fund at Baylor University c/o Women's Basketball 1900 S. University Parks Drive, Waco, Texas 76706 or the charity or your choice in lieu of flowers. The family invites you to leave a message or memorial in our memorial guestbook at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey