Alfred Harrell

It is with a heartfelt sadness that we have to say goodbye to a beloved husband, father, brother, papa, great-grandfather, uncle and friend who passed away on December 28, 2022, after a brief illness. Alfred Leon “Al” Harrell was 89 years old. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Those privileged to know him were treated to lots of love and laughter from his quipster sense of humor.

Al was born on April 19, 1933 in Anton, Texas, to Willie Douglas “W.D.” Harrell and Ruby Nora Rodgers-Harrell. He was the oldest to 5 younger siblings. He had to quit school at a young age to get a job to help support the family when his dad was hurt and was unable to work. Soon after, around age 18 he joined the United States Army and went back to school at Student
On June 16, 1939, Al married Melba Louise Bates. They made their home in San Saba and welcomed three children: Donald Earl Harrell, Anna Liesa Harrell and Glenn Dale Harrell.

Al lived life with passion and had a servant’s heart. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He loved to tinker around in his work shop and on his farm. Al married Rhonda Hughes on December 3, 2011 at the Church of Christ in Eustace, Texas. Al and Rhonda made their home in Malakoff enjoyed several wonderful years together before his health declined. Al had a strong faith in God, loved his country, and loved his family. He never met a stranger and treated everyone he encountered with the same level of respect, no matter who they were. He entertained audiences with his jokes, storytelling, and witty sayings. He has left his wife, brother, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends with so many memories and stories to cherish.

Al was proceeded in death by his son, Glenn Harrell; parents, W.D. and Ruby Harrell, brother, Walter Earl Harrell and sister, Nora Charlene Harrell; nephews, Jimmie Ray and David Wayne Faught; brother-in-law, Lynn Albert “Pluto” Faught.

Al was survived by his beloved wife of 11 years, Rhonda Harrell of Malakoff, Texas; son, Donald Harrell and wife, Rhonda of San Saba, Texas; daughter, Anna Liesa Harrell-Barone of Watauga, Texas; step-son, Jon Hughes and his wife, Melissa of Wake Village, Texas; step-daughter, Tara Hughes Wills and husband, Billy of Texarkana, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Liesa Ann Houk and her partner, DaRee Hampton of Waco, Texas; Carolyn Sue Houk-Armstrong and her husband, Auntwan of Mansfield, Texas; William Daniel “Billy” Houk and girlfriend, Sara Shaw of Grapevine, Texas; Jennifer Houk-Hodge and her husband, Charles of Cresson, Texas; step-grandson, Dylan Hughes of Wake Village, Texas; eight great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; sister, Betty Laverne Faught of San Saba, Texas; two brothers, James Douglas “Jim” Harrell and his wife, Judy of Malakoff, Texas; Robert Wayne “Bob” Harrell and his wife, Dee of Cross Plains, Texas; sister-in-law’s, Glenda Isabell and husband, Tommy of Fouke, Arkansas; Robin Upson of New Boston, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.