Ronald Ben Harrell

A private graveside for Ronald Ben Harrell, 75, of Gainesville, was held at the Fairview Cemetery on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville at 3:00 PM with the Rev. Hollis Parsons officiating.

Ronald was born on July 20, 1943 in Gainesville to H.B. Harrell and Stella Ruth (Wright) Harrell. He passed away on October 29, 2018 in Denton after a short battle with cancer.

Ronald Ben attended GISD, graduating in 1961, where he met the love of his life, and first wife, Glenda Baker. They were married in 1964. He then attended Draughon's Business School in Dallas, Cooke County Junior College, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts from North Texas University in 1965. While attending North Texas University, he enrolled in ROTC and completed Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA for the United States Marine Corp. During the Vietnam Conflict he achieved the rank of Captain, earning a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars. He had also been awarded Expert Marksman in rifle and pistol. He completed his military service at Camp Pendleton in California in 1968.

Upon returning to Gainesville, he was a welder with his father at H.B. Harrell Machine Shop, and then worked at the Gainesville State School as a Director of Security until his retirement in 1999.

Ronald Ben was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, serving in various positions including Men's Sunday School teacher for 31 years, and Chairman of the Deacons.

He is survived by his wife Glenda Harrell of Gainesville; daughter Jacqueline Marie Shortnacy and her husband Bart of Gainesville; daughter Valerie Sue Harrell of Gainesville; granddaughter Lindsey Richardson and her husband Aaron; granddaughter Lauren Shortnacy; grandson Justin Eberhart; grandson Ronald "Dane" Eberhart; great-grandchildren Addyson Richardson and Landry Richardson. Ronald is also survived by his mother Stella Harrell of Gainesville; sister Debbie Young and her husband Ronny of Lake Kiowa; mother-in-law Maggie Baker of Gainesville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ronald was preceded in death by his father H.B. Harrell.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International; Noah's Ark Animal Shelter; or Tabernacle Baptist Church in Gainesville.