Harrell Monroe Turner

Harrell Monroe Turner, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 25, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on October 26, 1944, in Houston, Texas, Harrell spent his golden years in Centerville, Texas, a place he loved and called home.

Daddy has always had a caretaker’s heart. For the last ten years of his life, he lived in a small community apartment complex for senior citizens such as himself. There were several other tenants who did not have family who lived locally so Dad took it upon himself to care for them. He shopped and cooked meals and delivered them on weekends. He was very well known for his chicken and dumplings and red beans with cornbread. On the few occasions we could convince him to come visit us, he had to make sure he took care of them before he left and would be back home before they needed more food.

Daddy was a hardworking man who wore many hats throughout his life. He served time in the US Army in his youth and worked as a glass worker, a machinist, and a tugboat operator before becoming a business owner. He often got bored with his businesses after they became successful and would sell them and move on to something else. He once told us it was about the fight to achieve and learn something new and not the money. He has owned several tire stores, a country store, and a restaurant, and at one time he was even a pig farmer.

Although Daddy and his wife, Patricia, were legally separated for many years, they shared a mutual respect and friendship that stood the test of time.

Harrell is survived by his sister Shirley Turner, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and six children, each of whom carries on his legacy: Rena Hearn and her spouse Kelly, Sherry Archey and spouse Glen, Becky Reed and spouse Tim, Stacey Callas and spouse Randy, Samuel Turner, and Jason Turner and spouse Rebecca.

His love extended to his 19 grandchildren: Molly Naranjo and spouse Brandon, Ryan Hearn and spouse Hayley, Shandy Ortega, Kevin Ortega, Joshua Ortega and spouse Chase, Lance Ortega and spouse Britney, Travis Turner and spouse Amy, Jennifer Turner, Marlee Stapp, Karley and spouse Tristan, McKenzie Reed, Turner Reed and spouse Cason, McKenzie Allman and spouse Austin, Kloe Knighten, Tiffany Harris and spouse Wesley, Justin Callas, Misty Callas, Taylor Turner, and Bethany Turner.

Harrell’s legacy continues through his 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Harrell will be remembered for his unwavering need to explore and learn many skills, his love for his family, and the quiet strength that defined him. He was a kind and generous man to most who left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of Harrell’s life will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, with a very simple graveside service at Bear Creek Baptist Church at 12:00 pm located on FM 1725 Rd, Cleveland, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews which Daddy donated to, in honor of his generous spirit.

Rest in peace, Daddy. Your love and legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.