Billy Harwell

Billy Harwell, born Dec. 5, 1946, passed away at Saint Francis Medical Center on Aug. 18, 2020, at the age of 73 years, eight months and 13 days.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Lessie Harwell; Twin ‘2’ daughter, Laurie Lynn Harwell; brother Ronnie and sister Judith Cline.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Juanita, three daughters; Tammie Henderson (Gary), Twin ‘1’ Lessie Jenks (Bill), Kristie Harwell; one son, William Harwell (Mande); grandchildren Gary William Henderson (Katelyn), Aaron, Melissa and Jackson Jenks, William Frank Harwell and David Henderson; great-grandchildren Carson and Lilly Henderson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill was born in Poplar Bluff and made this area his lifetime home. Building houses was his joy, for the hammer fit his hand. Many houses and apartments were built by Bill for Ron Cummings and Sam Schalk - they were good friends. Bill built the first condominiums in Poplar Bluff, cutting every board with his nephew, Tony. He also had a love for deer hunting and fishing. Richard Medley was his hunting buddy that he traveled a lot of miles with.

When Bill first started building, he ordered lumber from Gamblin Lumber Company, but sent some back with the word ‘P-I-S-S’ on them. Sam asked, “What is this?” Bill told him to put in some straight boards! This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

Another fond memory is when his son William and nephew Joe Cline took him to Buffalo, New York, fishing on Lake Erie, Niagara River and had a great time touring. He loved and enjoyed his family, friends and maintenance at BBT Apartments. Bill will be greatly missed. Rest in peace!

There will be a graveside inurnment ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Arrangements under the care of Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff.