William F. “Bill” Harrell, Sr.

West Columbia – Funeral services for William F. “Bill” Harrell Sr., 73, will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Westside Baptist Church, 2100 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC 29169.  The family will receive family and friends from 10 am -11 am in the worship center with a celebration of life service at 11 am at the same location.

Mr. Harrell passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.  Born December 15, 1948 in Ft. Benning, Georgia, he was the son of the late, Warrant Officer William M. Harrell Jr. (killed in action, Korea, April 12, 1953), and the late, Command Sargent Major Robert R. Vance.

Mr. Harrell was a retired law enforcement officer, serving communities in Richland and Lexington Counties throughout his career.  Most notable was his service to the citizens of the Town of Springdale, SC where he finished his career as a D.A.R.E. Officer where he taught students decision making skills for a safe and healthy living.

As a young man, Mr. Harrell lived in eastern France near the Luxembourg, German, and Belgian borders.  He was active in the scouts which led him to many other European countries.  Scouting, along with his parents, instilled in him the values of discipline, family, honor, and integrity - attributes that would lead him to his pursuit of Eagle Scout and a successful career in law enforcement. Not to mention - a devoted family man.

An avid ancestral historian, he traced his paternal and maternal family roots back generations – all well-documented in scrapbooks and albums.

A man of faith, he served as a deacon, youth mentor, on the bereavement committee, Sunday school teacher, and mission team leader.  His most cherished position was his service as Sunday school teacher for the Mary Adkins Women’s Sunday School Class at Westside Baptist Church.   In addition to his service to the Lord, he was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and the Sons of Confederate Veterans where he served as Chaplain and Historian of his local chapter.

Surviving is his loving wife of 44 years Priscilla A. “Patsy” Harrell of West Columbia; son, John J. “Jay” Harrell (Holly) of Lugoff, SC; daughter, Melissa H. “Missy” Womack (Brent) of Rutherfordton, NC; son, William F. “Will” Harrell Jr. (Kristie)of Irmo, SC; mother, Joyce L. “Jo” Vance of Lexington, SC; sister, Alison V. Bass of Lexington, SC; brother-in-law, Malcolm Hanger of Lexington, SC; sister-in-law Helen Hanger of Lexington, SC; niece, Amber Collins (David) of Lexington, SC; nephew, Mason Hanger (Luisa) of West Columbia, SC; and niece, Alex Bass of Pelion, SC with whom he shares his birthday.

Grandchildren: Andrew Harrell (Anielka) of Greeneville, TN; Brenton Womack of Spartanburg, SC; John Harrell (Abigail) of Chang Rai, Thailand; Allie Gonzalez (Adrian) of Columbia, SC; Nicky Harrell of Seneca, SC; Trace Harrell (Hallie) of Lexington, SC; Jamie Womack of Rutherfordton, NC.

Great-Grandchildren:  Micah Harrell, Rilynn Harrell

Bill’s wish was for anyone attending his celebration of life to be comfortable.  He believe you should just come as you are.  Sandals, Hawaiian shirt, and shorts if you wish.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westside Baptist Church, 2100 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC 29169.