Robert A. Harrell's Obituary
Robert Alva Harrell, age 78, passed away unexpectedly in Montague, MI, on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Bob was born on August 19, 1944, in Detroit, MI to Alva and Jennie (Virga) Harrell, and he grew up in East Detroit. He worked as a chemist at Sherman Laboratories in Detroit, and later for General Motors before changing career paths and moving into the restaurant industry. He owned and operated The Whitehouse Restaurant in Clare, MI, then Marvel Freeze in Harrison, MI, and over the course of his career he owned and operated nine different McDonald’s restaurants in West Michigan before retiring in 2014. Bob was driven and detail-oriented, but also generous and well-loved by his employees over the years. Bob married the former Clara Basham on May 27, 1988, and they spent 35 wonderful years together. Bob enjoyed spending winters with Clara in Big Pine Key, FL, as well as going on many other trips throughout the years, visiting many places in the U.S. as well as going on a few cruises to Italy and Great Britain. Bob at one point was the President of the White Lake Community Foundation, and currently was a member and usher at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Big Pine Key, FL. He was a member of the Muskegon Country Antique Auto Club and enjoyed driving his 1962 Ford Thunderbird and 1954 Chevy Bel Air convertible in the parades. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, photography, and going on walks at the beach or hikes in the woods. He loved all animals, especially his cats. More than anything, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Clara Harrell; five children: Anne Marie Harrell, Rob (Dawn) Harrell, Julie Harrell, Tracy King, and Jeff (Pam) King; 12 grandchildren: Kyle, Kyra, Hannah, Lucas, Josh, Brianna, Mara, Micah, Elissa, Anna Mei, Jenna, and Levi; one great-granddaughter, Stella; two brothers: Ben (Allison) Harrell and Jerry (Barb) Harrell; and many cousins and nieces. A FUNERAL MASS will be taking place for Robert at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 19, 2023, at St. James Catholic Church in Montague. VISITATION will be taking place from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444, as well as an hour prior to the Mass on Friday. Memorial Contributions can be made out to Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com
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