William J. Harwell

William “Bill” Jasper Harwell, of Trussville, Alabama, beloved husband, father, “Gandy”, and great-grandfather, was called to his Heavenly Home on May 20, 2024. He was born in Childersburg, Alabama, on July 17, 1932, to George and Jessie Harwell. William was predeceased by his parents and three siblings, Curtis Harwell (Selvie), Louise Sydner (Clyde), and George Harwell, Jr. (Agnes). After graduating from Childersburg High School, he served for two years during the Korean Conflict in Army Intelligence.

Upon discharge, William moved to Birmingham and began working with Owen Richards Company. During his forty-five-year employment tenure, this small local business grew into a international company known as Motion Industries, Inc. William retired in 2002 from his position as Assistant Vice-President of Finance.

In addition to a fulfilling professional career, Bill was an active Rotarian since 1974. During his many years of service, he held a variety of offices including Club President, District Treasurer, and District Auditor. Bill was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow recognition award for his dedication and contributions to Rotary. Another area of Bill’s community service was through “Friends of Scouting”. He served as District Chairman and worked diligently to raise annual financial support for the Boy Scouts.

Bill was also an active member of Huffman Baptist Church serving as a Sunday School Department Director, Chairman of the Finance and Personnel Committees, Ushers Chairman and a Life Deacon. Church service was a very important part of his life.

After retiring, Bill enjoyed playing golf several times a week with a special group of friends. He and his wife Julia also moved to the city of Trussville after living in Huffman for forty years. They both loved living in this small-town community.

William is survived by his wife of 66 years, Julia Thompson Harwell; their three children Doug Harwell (Cristiane), Sharon Harwell Terry (Gray) and Tracy Harwell Langner (Jeff); eight grandchildren, Trey Terry (Leane), Alan Terry, Drew Terry, Vanessa Harwell (Dustin), Keith Harwell (Becky), Ciara Harwell, Kevin Langner (Cheyenne), and Gabriela Braga, as well as, seven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and friends.

The family would also like to thank his supportive team of caregivers: Cristiane, Ann, and Felicia. These wonderful women provided loving at-home care.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm- 2:00 pm prior to the chapel service. A graveside service will immediately follow at Friendship Baptist Church on Hwy 411 north of Odenville, Alabama.

Pallbearers: Trey Terry, Alan Terry, Drew Terry, Kevin Langner, Gray Terry and Jeff Langner. Honorary Pallbearer-Keith Harwell.