Bobby Gene Harrelson, 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 14, 2019 after a brief illness. Bobby was born in the Cedar Hill Community of Lee County on October 9, 1934 to the late Eugene “Gene” Harrelson and Frances Hermione Palmer Harrelson. He attended Itawamba Junior College on a baseball and football scholarship. He was invited to attend training camp for the Milwaukee Brave’s and offered a contract which he declined. Bobby joined the Mississippi National Guard and served honorable and faithfully for over 25 years, being federalized during the l962 crisis and the University of Mississippi. He first worked at Daybrite Lighting for many years then opened and operated the Red Bird gas station and garage on West Jackson St. Ready for a change, he traveled the USA setting up stores for Hancock Fabrics where he met his wife of almost 49 years, Dorothy Soderback Harrelson. Bobby ultimately retired from Super Sagless where he was a lead man. He then partnered side by side with his son at Glenn Harrelson Construction for 15 years. He enjoyed all people and loved spending time with his close friends at Hardee’s. Bobby was a Christian member of Monument Drive Baptist Church and a lifelong servant of our Lord to people everywhere. His witness was solid and his testimony always obvious. Bobby was an extraordinary man with a big heart. He was a testament to his faith in everything he did. If you knew him or talked to him for long, you knew his greatest treasures on this earth were God, family and friends.
A service celebrating his life, with military honors, will be held at 11 AM Monday, June 17, 2019 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Bro. Tim Roaten and Bro. Jimmy Hill officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 3 PM-5PM Sunday, June 16, 2019 and from 10 am-service time on Monday. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their good friends.
Bobby leaves behind his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Harrelson of Tupelo; one son, Pete Harrelson and wife, Traci of Shannon. two daughters, Anita Hutchison and husband, Charlie “Doc” of Denham Springs , LA., and Dana Harrelson Dickerson of Tupelo. Five grandchildren, Christy Hutchison Whited and Paul of Denham Springs, LA. , William Hutchison and Brittanie of Denham Springs, La. Payton Dickerson and Gracie Dickerson both of Tupelo. His great grandchildren, Jacob Ryne Hutchison, Bradley Oliver Whited, Logan Michael Hutchison and a baby girl due on Papaw’s birthday, Oct. 9th. His sister in law, Joan Baxter of St. Lake City, Utah. He also leaves several special nieces and nephews including Kathy, David, Steve , Connie and Mike and others. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, a beloved grandson, Gregory Ryne Talley, two sisters, Frances VanBuskirk and her husband, Buddy and his twin, Geraldine Nanney and Jack of Tupelo, a nephew, Ronnie VanBuskirk and a brother in law, Don Baxter.
Pallbearers will be William Hutchison, Paul Whited, Steve Nanney, David Nanney, Mike VanBuskirk and Larry Grissom. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Crockett, Dale Holloway, James Winters and the Hardee’s Coffee Gang.
Memorials may be made to Monument Drive Baptist Church, 405 Monument Drive, Tupelo, MS. 38801
