Bruce E. Harrell, 67, of Shelbyville, passed away peacefully, Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Homeview in Franklin.
He was born January 24, 1957, in Shelbyville, the son of Donald E. and Janice S. (Richardson) Harrell.
Bruce is survived by his mother of Shelbyville; daughters, Ashley Brook Harrell, Dana Kristine Harrell and Jamie Machelle Caldwell, all of Pendleton; sisters, Pamela R. Harrell and Kathy J. (Harrell) Skaggs, both of Shelbyville; brother, Bryan R. Harrell of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Jace Emerson Washington, Jaylee Ryan Caldwell, Kellen Brooks Caldwell, Quinlee Luv Austin and Halle Renee Austin; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the mother of his girls, Robin (Williams) Esslinger and husband, Larry, of Pendleton.
He was preceded in death by his father on October 29, 2017; paternal grandparents, Chester R. and Rosamond Harrell; and maternal grandparents, Guy and Gladys Strickler.
Bruce was blessed with three daughters he loved and treasured with great pride. I don’t think I ever heard him say, “I was hoping for a boy” as each girl was born.
In 1975, Bruce graduated from Shelbyville High School. Those who knew him in high school fondly nicknamed him “Squirrel.” He loved to play pranks, joke and laugh. He had many friends during those years. Many stayed in his life for numerous years. Life gets busy, and some drift away. Some even have passed away, like Bruce, all too soon.
Bruce enjoyed the old cars he’d buy with his own money, that he made working for his dad during his junior high and high school days. He was especially fond of his Monte Carlo and GTO. Bonded Oil was the “pit stop” back in the good ole days, he could be found there.
He had a great love for music and old time tuners, amps, receivers and speakers that could be turned up so loud, you could feel the bass in your chest. He appreciated all music, but especially rock and roll music from the 70’s. His appreciation of country music came strictly from being the first of four children sitting in the back seat of the car driven by his loving Mother. His Dad had no interest in the “wanging and whining” sounds of country music. His Dad taught him about installing stereo systems in cars. If you had magnetic 6 x 9 speakers by the weight of the magnet. More bass while cruising the country roads and small town streets of Shelbyville.
He would help anyone if he could. He never bragged about what he did for others. He gave those in need a hand up. If they did him wrong, he wasn’t angry and bitter, but he’d never help most of them again… unless you were family.
Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Funeral services will follow at 1 pm, Thursday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Bruce Banister officiating.
Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the caring compassionate staff at Homeview and Our Hospice. Everyone went above and beyond.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 17th St., Columbus, IN 47201 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 90, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9929.
Online condolences may be shared with Bruce’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
