Robert Sheppard Harrell

Robert Sheppard Harrell (Bob) of Athens, AL passed away surrounded by loved ones on September 2, 2025, after a short illness. Bob was born on July 18, 1931, to John Sheppard and Louise Smith Harrell in Gates, NC. Bob left home at the age of 16 and joined the Air Force (1948-1954), to provide for his mother and two younger siblings. After leaving the Air Force, Bob moved to Rome, GA and worked for Life of Georgia. He later moved to Augusta and continued to work in the insurance business. In 1966, Bob joined the postal service where he retired as a Postmaster in Rome, GA in 1992. In 1989 while Postmaster, Bob served as the State President of the National Association of Postmasters (550 members approximately). After his retirement, Bob joined the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). While in NARFE, he held every office in Georgia to include President of the Georgia Federation. Bob entered the office of Region III National Field Vice President in 2004 and held that office for three terms. Upon his marriage to second wife Peggy he moved to Athens, AL in 2006 where he became involved with the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) by volunteering as a tax preparer until he was 92. Bob was also a member of First Baptist Church of Athens. Anyone who knew Bob knew that he was the most loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, and Brother-In-Law a family could ask for. He always had a cheerful outlook and an amazing spirit. Bob was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Beatrice Dye Harrell, his daughter Karen Leigh Mooney, his sister Dorothy Jean Harrell, his brother Edward Asa Harrell, his sons Larry and Greg Jackson (Sonjia), and brothers-in-law Billy Wayne Putman, and Gary Arnold (Brenda). He is survived by his second wife Geneva Putman Harrell (Peggy), daughters Gail Miller and Kathey Gosnell (Barry), sisters-in-law Dean Morgan, Barbara Steck, and Brenda Arnold, Grandchildren Lisa McGuire (Mark), Brandon Jackson (Devon), Lance Jackson (Crystal), and Lee Brooks (Jenny). He is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation for Bob on Sunday, September 7th, 2025, from 1:00-2:45pm, at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 3:00pm. Bob will be laid to rest on Monday, September 8th, at 3:00pm EST, at Polk Memory Gardens in Cedartown, Georgia. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Robert Sheppard Harrell

July 18, 1931 - September 2, 2025