Cover photo for Harold Dean Harwell's Obituary

Harold Dean Harwell

October 30, 1940 — November 4, 2024

Harold Dean Harwell

Harold Dean Harwell, 84, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024. 

 

He was born in Gaston County, North Carolina on October 30, 1940 to the late Jennings and Ollie Harwell. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Samuel Lee Harwell and his brother, Larry Joseph Harwell. 

 

Harold was a veteran of the US Army and proudly retired as Major and acting chief of Gaston County Police after many years of dedicated service to his community. During his career, he received several awards, honors, and distinctions, including those from Florida State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Northwestern University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Virginia, as well as graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.

 

Harold was a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church and he enjoyed spending time fishing, camping, and making many happy memories with his family. Most of all he was a devoted husband and loving father. 

 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Betty Stewart Harwell; son, Rick Harwell (Carol); brother, Robert Harwell (Diane); grandchildren, Mackenzie Ellison, Gavin Harwell (Becca), Graeme Harwell, Kathryn Harwell, and Preston Harwell; and his great-grandson, Jack Jennings Ellison. 

 

The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm on Friday November 8, 2024 at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home. A graveside will follow at 2:00 pm at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery 5008 S. New Hope Road, Belmont, NC 28012 with Pastor Jan Deans officiating. 

 

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

 

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold Dean Harwell, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, November 8, 2024

12:30 - 1:30 pm (Eastern time)

Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation

2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Graveside Service

Friday, November 8, 2024

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)

Friendship Baptist Church

5008 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 717

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree