Bennie Harrell

Bennie Harrell

Hamilton-Burch Funeral Home, in loving memory of Mrs. Jeanette Hamilton, announces the homegoing services for Mr. Bennie Harrell, Jr., of Eastman, Georgia, on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 11 AM at the Dodge County High School Gymnasium, 350 Pearl Bates Avenue in Eastman. Interment will follow at the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery in Chauncey. The visitation will be held on Friday, 6-8 PM at Hamilton-Burch Funeral Home, 140 Park Street in Eastman.

Bennie Harrell, Jr., was born on June 2, 1955 in Dodge County, Georgia, to the late Bennie Harrell, Sr., and Essie Mae Howard Harrell as the second of five children. Mr. Harrell's early education began at Peabody Elementary and High School. He later attended Dodge County High School where he graduated in 1973. He joined the United States Army and served from 1973 until 1977. After his honorable discharge, he joined the United States Army National Guard where he served until his retirement. He was a faithful and devoted member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he loyally served as Chairman of the Deacon Board. He began his career in the federal civil service in 1977 at Robins Air Force Base where he remained dedicated to federal service until his retirement in 2012. As Mr. Harrell was dedicated to serving his community, he co-founded the Dodge County Food Bank and was active with Habitat for Humanity; he served as Treasurer for both organizations. He was a board member for the Progressive Baptist Association and The American Legion. He was the Homeless Advocate for the Heart of Georgia Citizens Advisory Council (CAC). He started a Youth Outreach Mentorship Program along with Reverend George Fluellen. In addition to his community service, Mr. Harrell enjoyed spending time with his family and supporting Dodge County Athletics and the Georgia Bulldogs. Mr. Harrell also served as the Operations Manager for the Hamilton-Burch Funeral Home.

Mr. Harrell answered God’s call on Monday, March 18, 2019, at Medical Center Navicent Health in Macon, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, Maggie Guyton and by his niece, Tashena Harrell.

He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, and above all, a child of God. He leaves to mourn a loving, devoted wife, Catherine Harrell; one son, Bennie Maurice Harrell, Eastman, Georgia.; two daughters, Yolanda Madison (Marvin), Stockbridge, Georgia, and Erika Dennard (Chad), Dublin, Georgia; step-sons, Gregory M. Guyton and Tyrone Guyton; grandchildren: Nakhorri Harrell, Akira Kitchens, Jace Madison, Chasidy Dennard, Chelsi Dennard, Chad (C. J.) Dennard, Jr., Marlee Madison, and Tyrone Jones; beloved sisters, Roberta (Will (d)) Lockett, Carolyn Harrell, and Brenda (James) Banks; beloved brother, Larry C. (Joanne) Harrell; nieces and nephew: Wanda Miller, Brandon Lockett, LaShaunda Chambers, Alara Harrell, Alea Harrell, and Na’Zaria Gibson; sisters-in-law: Pearlean Guyton and Carolyn (Emanuel) Horne and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends.

The family is receiving friends at 6530 Fir Street in Eastman, Georgia.

Hamilton-Burch Funeral Home of Eastman, (478) 374-3160, is serving the family.