Bennie Harrell

            Bennie Harrell, 91, of Youngstown transitioned from this earthly vessel to his heavenly home on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at his home with his loving family at his side.

            Mr. Harrell was born February 2, 1934 in Youngstown, a son of Warren Sr. and Eiffe Mae Harrell.  He was a 1951 graduate of The Rayen School.  Bennie met and married the love of his life, the former Anna LaVerne Blackburn. To this union four children were born whom he loved dearly.  Bennie was a hard worker all his life.  His jobs included, Coca Cola, Valley Pontiac and Supreme Life Insurance Company. He also worked for General Fireproofing for 12 years, and was a foreman for Delphi Packard Electric for 25 years until his retirement. He also worked as a funeral attendant with the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.  Bennie was a member of Phillips Chapel C.M.E. Church where he served on its Trustee Board, Male Chorus and Usher Board.  He was also a member of the M & T Golfers, The East Side Homeowners Assn. and the Crème de la Crème Social Club for 50 years.  Bennie was very active and enjoyed numerous activities especially golfing and bowling.  While golfing, he made three holes in one and in bowling rolled three 700 sets.  Bennie was an avid Cleveland Browns and Cavaliers fan.  Bennie enjoyed traveling, taking cruises and especially going to casinos with his daughter, Beniann.

            He leaves to mourn his passing, but to celebrate his life and legacy, his children, Cheryl Harrell of Columbus, OH, LaVerne Bournes of Long Beach, CA, and Beniann (Miles) Moss of Arlington, Texas; a brother, Warren (Iva) Harrell Jr. of Youngstown; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; aunt, Doris Fisher of New York; a bonus daughter, Jennifer “Gee Gee” Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews,  cousins, church family and friends.

            Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anna, whom he married February 21, 1952 and who passed away in 2016; his son, Larry Harrell; twin sister, Bertha Robinson and her husband, Herman; and son-in-law, Ron Bournes.

            Visitation will be Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Road.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 noon.

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