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R.I.P.
DEC 06
2015

Rayford Harwell

Obituary
for Rayford Harwell


Rayford was a commerce Chapter and TASO Football member for more than 30 years.

Rayford
Harwell, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and Terrell icon
passed away peacefully December 6, 2015 surrounded by his family.
Rayford was born September 11, 1943 in Terrell to Jim and Lola
(Stephens) Harwell, both of whom preceded him in death along with his
brother, Dennis Harwell and wife, Libby; sister‑in‑law, Patsy
Harwell, brothers‑in‑law, Lumpy Taylor, David Cox, Oscar Taylor, and
Yonne Lyon; parents‑in‑law, Jim and Grace Cunningham Taylor; and
nephew, Jason Taylor. 
Growing up in Terrell, Rayford was a
person known for always helping anyone who needed it and he was a
member of the “Magnificent Seven” in high school. After
graduating from Terrell High School in 1962, Rayford (also known as
Hereford) worked for Dale and Marie Witherspoon at the Exxon from
1964 to 1979 when he purchased the station and operated it with his
family. In 1995, he moved the station to its Moore Ave. location
where it is still located today in the heart of the town he loved so
much. Even after formally retiring from the station in 2005 and then
going on to work for the City of Terrell, Rayford kept tools in the
street sweeper so he could always help others who may need a quick
car or tire repair. In his lifetime, he played and refereed football
for over 30 years as well as for baseball and softball for over 35
years and served on the Park Board for over 25 years. Rayford was
recognized by the City of Terrell for his dedication to TARA and so
many other civic organizations with ceremonies commemorating his
tireless service during “Rayford Harwell Week”. His
appearances as Santa Claus for over three decades at both family and
civic gatherings brought smiles to everyone’s face. Watching Shirley
bowl was a favorite activity of his and spending time with Cary at
any activity. Rayford gave so much of his time to Terrell in every
imaginable way. While he wasn’t a man to brag or tell others of his
accomplishments, he was nevertheless honored by several city and
civic organizations for his dedication and his commitment to serve.
He was selected as Citizen of the Year by the Rotary club and was the
very first “Employee of the Month” selected, a program
began by the Terrell Chamber to recognize city employees and their
contributions and in 2006, Rayford was inducted to the Tiger Hall of
Fame. He loved to rebuild old tractors and was a faithful member of
the Terrell Tractor Club. He spent time enjoying eating at Dairy
Queen and cleaning the car wash for Gail Williams and generally, just
being available for anyone and everyone. His immeasurable knowledge
of Terrell and the people, places and events that made Terrell what
it is made conversations with Rayford a true learning experience
every time. He was, and always will be, a Terrell treasure and he was
truly a “one of a kind”. The amount of goodness a person
has to offer can never be measured but one only has to look at the
scores of lives touched by Rayford to know that, actually, one person
can make a difference to so many. Because of that difference, Rayford
will never be forgotten and his legacy will always be
remembered. 
Rayford is survived by his devoted wife,
Shirley, of Terrell; son, Cary Harwell of Terrell; brothers: James
Harwell of Terrell, Joe Harwell and wife Claudette, of Greenville,
Gary Harwell and wife, Linda of Van; sister, Nadine Day and husband
Jerrell of Terrell; brother, Jerry Clower and wife Barbara of Wills
Point; brother‑in‑law, George Taylor and wife, Anne of Elmo;
sisters‑in‑law, Beverly Taylor of Rowlett, Dorothy Crow of Kaufman,
Leona Harwell of Garland, Betty Gutierrez and husband, Leonard of
Mineola; Donna Harwood of Kaufman, Charlotte Corley of Longview; as
well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of
friends who will never forget him and his smile with his trademark
mustache. 
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm,
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Terrell. In
remembrance of the legacy and love Rayford had for Terrell, memorials
may be made to:
Terrell Tiger Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund
PO
Box 1070, Terrell, Texas, 75160 
ATTN: Mike Burt

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