A Graveside Service for Orville Ray Harwell, Sr, 79, of Richmond, TX, will be 10:30 AM Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Guy Public Cemetery, 11340 FM Rd 1994, Guy TX 77444 .

Orville Ray Harwell, Sr. was born in Borger, Texas, on October 14, 1941, to Orice Rufus Harwell and Marguerite Jane (Murphy) Harwell. He died October 3, 2021, in Richmond, TX.

Ray was preceded in death by his mother and father; wife, Carolyn Faye (Murphy) Harwell; brother, William Ryan Harwell; and daughter, Elizabeth Jane Harwell Jablonski. Ray is survived by his wife, Judy Franklin Harwell of Richmond, TX; son, Orville Ray Harwell, Jr.; stepsons, Tad and Erik Lemaster; grandchildren, David Falcon of Needville, TX, Alex Harwell and Emily Harwell of Tyler, TX; and sisters, Marilyn Kay Ashton of Houston, TX, and Carol Janorice Harwell of Needville, TX.

Ray always excelled in athletics and won many awards. His name is in the State of Texas record book for receiving the most passes in 2A football in 1959. In 1962, he boxed at Wharton County Jr. College and placed 2nd in the State of Texas Golden Gloves Tournament.

Ray served in the US Army in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he became a Green Beret. He met his wife Carolyn Faye Murphy of Faison, North Carolina. After serving in the Army, Ray and Carolyn moved to Texas. They were married for 36 years until Carolyn's death in 2001.

Ray and Carolyn were family friends and Ray was my former Sunday School teacher. We shared our love of the Gospel together. Ray loved preaching at the Star of Hope Mission for over 34 years. Baptized in the Spirit at 35, his love for teaching the Bible was always a priority in his life.

Memorials may be given in his memory to the Star of Hope Mission, 4848 Loop Central Dr, Suite #500, Houston, TX 77081-2211 or online at www.sohmission.org

Condolences may be written for the family at www.garmanycarden.com

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.