| Sources |
- [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 15 Jan 2002.
Thelma King Maples obituary
- [S27] The Daily Times, http://www.thedailytimes.com/, (Blount County, Tennessee), 27 Feb 2006.
While considering a brief tribute to an old friend, we came across a situation of several sons following their father's occupation which is a little unusual in modern times.
It began when our friend Hugh Sayler, the unofficial historian of McGhee Tyson Airbase, brought in a recent memorial tribute to a mutual friend, Lt. Col. Roy Ed Harrell, that had been published in the Mountain Press in Sevierville recently. The tribute was by Lt. Col. ``Billy'' Bob Edwards.
Col. Harrell lost a 5˝-year battle with cancer on Jan. 28, 2001. The Pigeon Forge resident was a KC-135 tanker pilot for the 134th Air Refueling Wing. Though his death was five years ago, Harrell, who had barely turned 58, has not been forgotten.
Also, we had the opportunity to see some of Harrell's report of the first Gulf War when the opposition was stiffer and the KC-135s were challenged in meeting missions when they were operating in radio silence and also at a time when they lacked some of the latest devices available on friendly equipment that could have made missions less difficult.
We flew a number of hours in the cockpit visiting with Harrell on missions of the 134th which we have covered for The Daily Times. He was a most interesting person. He operated a bird seed mill at Kodak, storing, separating and packing the bird seed for sale.
Our pleasant surprise was that he has a son, Capt. Tommy Harrell, a resident of Maryville and also a pilot in the 134th.
- [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 28 Jan 2001.
Roy Edward Harrell
December 30, 1942 - January 28, 2001
Birthplace: Worcester, Mass.
Resided In: Pigeon Forge Tennessee USA
Visitation: January 30, 2001
Service: January 31, 2001
Cemetery: Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens
Roy Edward Harrell, age 58 of Pigeon Forge, died Sunday, January 28, 2001 at his home. Ed accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at age 11, and he was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Sevierville. Ed was a friend to many and a stranger to none. He was a proud member and retired Lt. Colonel of the 134th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard, McGee-Tyson where he served as a pilot. Ed was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War where he flew 39 combat missions. He served 14 years as scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 212, was an Eagle Scout, and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award. He was Past-President and a founding member of the Rotary Club of Pigeon Forge, a past member of the Pigeon Forge Planning Commission, a faithful patron of Frank Allen’s, and a devoted “Pop-Pop” to Molly, Spencer, and Annie Kate.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Aretha Cole Harrell.
Survivors:
Wife:
Judy Maples Harrell
Sons & Daughters-in-law:
Eddy & Julie Harrell
Tommy & Shannon Harrell
Daughter & Son-in-law:
Heather & Stan Gibson
Grandchildren:
Molly Harrell
Spencer Harrell
Annie Kate Gibson
Father:
Paul Harrell
Brothers & Sisters-in-law:
Mike & Joan Harrell
John & Mary Harrell
Gregg & Tamara Harrell
Niece:
Shelby Harrell
Funeral service 11 AM Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Sevierville with Rev. Charlie Harkleroad and Rev. Stan Gibson officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends 6-9 PM Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Sevierville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to either:
First Baptist Church, Sevierville Building Fund—317 Parkway—Sevierville, Tennessee 37862; Boy Scouts of America, Camp Buck Toms—373 Camp Buck Toms Road—Rockwood, Tennessee 37854; Northview Middle School—3295 Douglas Dam Road—Kodak, Tennessee 37764.
Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville.
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