Wayland Harrell

Wayland Harrell, age 85, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, February 12, 2023. He was born on November 15, 1937, in Antioch, Arkansas to Hettie Blanche and William Louis Harrell.

Wayland started to work at Arkansas Power & Light in September of 1965. He started as a helper on the service truck in Beebe. He then became a lineman in Searcy, several management promotions followed, taking him to Harrison, Russellville and Little Rock and he retired in 1997 as a region manager in Searcy.

Wayland loved his family fiercely and was actively involved in following his grands and great grands in all of their endeavors. He was their biggest cheerleader and encourager. He was known for never being wrong, even if they have to move a DAM. He kept everyone in stitches ordering pizza with “a panda cheese”, tater tarts at Sonic and using cubans (coupons)at Hardees. His laugh was unique and contagious causing joy to everyone around. Wayland loved serving others. He never learned to swim but he kept the swimming pool in pristine condition for the family to come anytime. Wayland as an avid Razorback fan following them to many tournaments even watching them in person win the National Basketball Championship in 1994. He loved golf and played as often as he could until he his health prevented him from playing.

But even more than his love for family was his love for Jesus. He was a deacon, Sunday School teacher, was actively involved is Bible Study Fellowship and loved to pray with and give generously to anyone in his path.

Wayland was married to Erma McKinney on June 12, 1959, and they were blessed with 61 years together. Wayland was preceded in death by his wife, Erma Lee Harrell, his parents, one sister, Elvada Gunn, six brothers, Hubert Harrell, Jack Harrell, Walker Harrell, Elvis Harrell and Cleveland Harrell. He is survived by his children, Monty Harrell(Belinda) of Cabot; Marieca Ashworth(Phillip) of Conway; Grandsons, Adam Harrell(Laura) and Jonathan Ashworth(Charity) of Conway; Grafton Harrell(Megan) of Jonesboro; Granddaughters, Morgan Mays(Tyler) of Ward and Laura Kate Childers(Cody) of Vilonia; Bonus granddaughters, Sara Flenor of Conway and Bethany Cameron(Cody) of Beebe; Great Grandchildren Grace, Graham, Joshua and Ava Harrell; Will, Brielle and Wesley Ashworth; John Bennett Mays and Jessie Kate Cameron. His brother, Curtis Harrell(Marva)  of Bella Vista and his sister, Yvonne Southard(James) of Jordan. His sister in law, Vickie(Terry) Flenor of Beebe.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 14^th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Smith Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel, Beebe.  Services Wednesday, February 15^th at 1:00 p.m. at Beebe First Baptist Church, with burial at Antioch Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Wayland’s name to the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home, 150 Hyatt Court, Monticello, Arkansas 71655.

Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W Dewitt Henry, Beebe, AR 72012.  Visit www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook to view the registry.