Arthur M. Harrell

Arthur M. Harrell also known as "Preacher" was born on December 27, 1916 in Newcastle, Texas. He passed away on April 6, 2010 with his wife by his side as she has been for 72 years. Winston Churchill once said, "I am ready to meet my maker. Whether my maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." This best describes A.M. Harrell. He lived his life without compromise and left us all with a few life lessons: True love does exist, he knew it for 72 years; Say what you think and mean what you say; Never forget a good joke; Learn to dance and never sit one out; Don't be afraid of hard work; Sing out loud at every opportunity; Make time to sit on the porch; Use your hands to create; Never stop learning; The world is an amazing place- get out there; You will survive even when you think you can't; Old dogs are always loyal; Never sell your saddle and Your family will always be your greatest joy.

In 1937, Arthur Harrell went to work for the Brazos River Authority on the Possum Kingdom Dam and worked there faithfully for 44 years through the Great Depression and Wars. During the days, he hand tooled boots, belts and saddles at Eddleman Brothers Saddlery on Elm Street in Graham, Texas. Arthur continued his passion making saddles until he was 86 years old.

He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Arlye B. Harrell, whom he married on December 27, 1937. Arthur is also survived by a daughter Jean Martin and husband Jerry Martin of Lubbock, Texas and Daughter in law- Patricia A. Harrell of Strawn, Texas. Arthur has two surviving sisters: Eula Dean Abbott of Mineral Wells, Texas and Ima Jean Holt of De Leon, Texas. He had four grandchildren that adored him: Dr. Ty Harrell- Tillman and husband Dr. Lee Tillman of Stavanger, Norway. Joe Harrell Flinn and wife Sheila Flinn of Lubbock, Texas. Joni Sears and husband John Sears of North Richland Hills, Texas. Quana Harrell- Campbell and husband David Campbell of Caddo, Texas. Arthur had 7 great grandchildren: Kheila Langford, Daron Campbell, Boone Campbell, Tyler Harrell Flinn, Sara Flinn, Sierra Sears and Trace Harrell Tillman. He is survived by many nieces and nephews one of which is Harrell Ford of Graham, Texas that visited him on a daily basis for over 25 years. Other special family ties include, Tewana Trimble- Caudle of Stephenville, Texas, Cotton and Peggy Reynolds of Graham, Texas, David and Joni Rogers of Graham, Texas and Duke and Joni Reynolds of Newcastle, Texas.

Arthur Harrell was preceded in death by 5 sisters, 1 half-brother, mother, father and his only son Donald E. Harrell.

Graveside services will be held at the McAdams Cemetery in Palo Pinto County on Saturday April 10, 2010 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Graham Area United Way P.O. Box 333 Graham, Texas 76450 or www.grahamareaunitedway.com.