Billy "Mike" Mikel Harrell

Billy Mikel “Mike” Harrell, 79, of Plano, Texas, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024. He was born on March 23, 1944, in Cleburne, Texas, to the late Bill & Fairy (Tidwell) Harrell. Mike attended Cleburne High School and went on to proudly serve our country in the U.S. Army. Mike was a Drug Enforcement Officer for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for many years, which allowed him to travel internationally. He also served as a police officer for the Addison Police Department, retiring from there as well as the DEA.

Mike met Dianne Long and married her on August 26, 1966. She was truly his steadiness in life – the free-spirit that Mike needed. They had a beautiful daughter, Robbie, who made their family complete. Mike & Dianne enjoyed 50 years of marriage, which was filled with laughter and an unwavering love. Not only was Mike a devoted husband, but he was a dedicated father who was always there for Robbie. He loved spending time with her and teaching her new things. Mike considered it a joy to care for his family, in whatever capacity he could. He was thoughtful and sentimental, and truly valued the relationships he shared, which was very evident in the way he cared for others (including his dogs!). In the way Mike cared for people, he really enjoyed making others laugh. He had a quick-wit with a dry sense of humor. Mike regularly used an unmistakable sarcasm and he was the best storyteller. He was known for being meticulous and tidy, and had beautiful penmanship. Mike was skilled at drawing, journaling, and photography. He had a love for old cars, old music, and watching movies. More than anything, Mike enjoyed vacationing in the mountains, especially in Colorado, with those he loved the most – Dianne and Robbie. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Ray Meadows. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Robbie & Raul Garcia of Plano, Texas; two brothers, Duane & Pam Harrell of Arlington, Texas and Earl Meadows of Grandview, Texas; grandsons, Christopher Neal of Sulpher, Oklahoma and Tommy Neal of Plano, Texas; and beloved dog and granddog, Gracie and Abby.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 3:00pm in Ted Dickey Funeral Home, 2128 18th St., Plano, TX 75074. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/.