It is with regret we announce the passing of Dr. James Franklin Harwell, Jr., age 86, of Fayetteville, TN. Jim was born May 16, 1936, in Lincoln County, TN to the late James Franklin, Sr. and Betsy Cowan Harwell. He passed away June 6, 2022, at Lincoln Medical Center.
Jim was a graduate of Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine as well as Texas A&M University. He served his country for 15 years in the US Air Force and an additional 15 years in the Commission Corps of U.S. Public Health Service. Jim’s 30 years of distinguished military service carried him to many locations all over the world, but he moved back home to Lincoln County in 1999. He continued his actions of service to the community by volunteering with organizations like the Lincoln County Museum and serving on various committees at Fayetteville First Presbyterian Church. Jim was also an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed conservation and celebrating the earth’s natural beauty.
Survivors include his wife, Merrill Meadows of Fayetteville; sister-in-law Jackie and her husband Eddie Flynt; and his beloved cats. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Rachel Moyers Harwell to whom he was married for 60 years.
A private graveside service was held earlier at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to Fayetteville/Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 1718 Pulaski Highway, Fayetteville, TN 37334 or Fabulous Fifties Foundation, PO Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dr. James Franklin Harwell, Jr.
4 Comments To "Dr. James Franklin Harwell, Jr."
#1 Comment By Joyce Johnson On June 9, 2022 @ 7:47 pm
Jennifer sorry for your loss of Jim. We went to school together for twelve years but he was a year behind me. He was a nice man and a friend. I know he had been sick but that does not make it any easier loosing someone you were close to. I ask Patsy about you most every week. I do not get out so I will not be able to attend the Service. Love to you and your family.
#2 Comment By Jennifer C Stootsberry On June 11, 2022 @ 11:18 am
Thank you Joyce for your kind words. It is very sad that Jim’s last few years were overshadowed by health issues & Rachel’s death. Hope we can all remember what a positive influence they both were for First Presbyterian Church & the town of Fayetteville. I am very sad that family & friends were not included in Jim’s graveside service.
Jennifer Crawford Stootsberry
#3 Comment By Negash Amsalu MD On July 19, 2022 @ 8:40 am
I am shocked to hear the passing away of Dr.Harwell. He was a generous person who made great changes in my life as a student when he was in Ethiopia. RIP My brother
#4 Comment By Tom Hall On August 1, 2022 @ 10:33 am
Tom Hall Has fond memories of DVM Jim Harwell. He certainly was a man of integrity. He loved the forest and worked for years helping educate forest landowners on forest management. Thanks goes to Jim and his wife Merrill for their years of service with EVFA–Elk Valley Forestry Association