Johnny Wilbur Harrell, 74, of Ray City went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday July 12, 2019.  He passed away at his home surrounded by and with the love of his family and loved ones.  Even though he fought a long, hard battle; he never lost his sense of humor or gave up hope.  He loved getting together with family and friends and was known to be a "prankster" at times by his family.

He was born September 9, 1944 in Berrien County to the late Wilbur Harrell and the late Nancy "Nan" Parrish Harrell.  He served in the U. S. Army and the U. S. Air Force and was a member of A'New Covenant Church in Ray City.  He was retired from the Federal Service at Moody Air Force Base after 47 years of service where he received numerous awards and recognitions for outstanding performance.  When he retired, he was a Quality Assurance Supervisor in the Logistics Readiness Squadron.  It was said by his supervisor, "Johnny had such a wealth of knowledge in the squadron he was the voice of knowledge, if you needed to know something, go to Johnny;" he was the "Go to Guy" from the commander of the squadron down.  Johnny received the Ninth Air Force Supply Supervisor/ Leader Award that included bases other than Moody Air Force Base, GA.  Johnny was also known  and had the nickname of "Mr. Hazmat" because of his additional assignment of overseeing hazardous materials.  Johnny was a SSGT and served in both the Army and Air Force Reserves in the Medical Corps.  He received Reservist of the Year at Moody Air Force Base.  Johnny loved the Lord and he loved people.  He faithfully served both the Lord and  people in ministry for over 50 years as Praise and Worship Leader, Administration, Elder, Associate Pastor and in helping people and encouraging in every way he could.  He was preceded in death by his sister: Debbie Harrell Browning; his brother: Jackie Harrell and a great grandbaby; Baby Browning.

He is survived by his wife of almost 53 years: Nancy Lee Harrell of Ray City; 2 daughters: Angela (Tim) Carter of Ray City and Tina (Eddie) Browning of Nashville; son: Jonathan (Jennifer) Harrell of Flagstaff, AZ; 2 brothers: Wesley (Dianne) Harrell of Naylor and Frank Harrell of Cookeville, TN; brother-in-law: Jimmy (Debbie) Browning of Nashville; sister-in-laws: Mary Ann Harrell of Macon and Brenda Vaughn of Albany; as well as an uncle, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins who he dearly loved. Johnny was blessed with eleven grandchildren: Tiffany (Trever) Richardson, Justin (Anna) Browning, Meagan (Carry) Taylor, Jeremy Browning, Jordan Harrell, Jesse Harrell, Joshua Harrell, Jentzen Harrell, Brandy Harpe, Alex Carter and Alexandra Carter; and eleven great grandchildren: Emma Richardson, Trinity Harpe, Landon Harpe, Kagan Taylor, Kenlyn Taylor, Janie Faye Taylor, Carter Brogdon, Hank Brogdon, Baby Richardson and Baby Pollard; and was lovingly known and called "Papa" or "Mr. Johnny" to countless others.

A Celebration of Johnny's life and home going will be held Wednesday July 17, 2019 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Johnson and Rev. Jeff Palmer officiating. Interment will follow in Fellowship Baptist Church, (2239 Hutchinson Pond Rd.) Hahira, GA. Visitation will be Tuesday from 7-9 PM.

Pallbearers will be Ed Connerly, Gene Dupree, Billy Cartwright, Brandon Bass, Ray Saliba and Tim Hall.