Obituary of Donald Ray Harville

Donald Ray Harville, 88, of Talladega, AL passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at his home in Winterboro. His family will receive friends at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. A funeral ceremony will be held in his honor at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 01, 2024 at Winterboro Baptist Church with Steve Burke and Reba Culpepper officiating. Interment will follow directly after the service at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Sylacauga, AL. Donald Ray Harville was born on April 11, 1935 to Lewel G. and Ertis Day Harville. He grew up in Sylacauga, Alabama and attended B. B Comer High School. He married his wife, Bobby Jean Smith, on June 3, 1955. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1961. He used to hitchhike to Ft. Mead, Maryland and drove VIP’s around New York City. After his service in the Army, he started his career selling shoes at Southern Shoes in Sylacauga. Soon after, he accepted a job in Talladega with Sydney Held at Goldberg and Lewis as manager of the ladies department. He stayed there until it closed in 1983. Next he went to work for Bargain Town USA, and after they closed, he accepted a job with Ronald Baker and Baker Foods. Don was never one to quit working so he started a lawn cutting service and continued to work until April 2022. He is a member of Winterboro Baptist Church and has also served as deacon, custodian and part time music minister. He also loved Winterboro High School Athletics. He was a member of the Quarterback Club. He filmed the football games and was the game time keeper at all basketball home games. He was also a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was a vital part of the Winterboro Community, most notably being one of the founding members of the Plank Road Station Lodge. He never met a stranger and loved people. His gift was the joy of life and the example of the love of Christ. He gave a testimony of a humble, joy filled servant of God. Many of the younger generation looked up to Don. He would always have time for them and let them pull many pranks on him. To many he was a special man and was loved by all who had the honor of knowing him. Don is survived by the love of his life, Bobby Jean Smith Harville, whom he married in 1955 and his daughter, Lisa Harville Townsend (Ray). Jack Pomeroy, Jim Pomeroy, David Smith, Jason Smith, Mike McLaughlin, and Michael McLaughlin will serve as pallbearers. Robert Smith, David Culpepper, and Paul Hayes will serve as honorary pallbearers. Mr. Harville’s family would like to thank Affinity Hospice for taking such good care of Mr. Harville. Many family members and people of the community have also been so much help. There are just too many to name individually. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Harville’s family asks that donations be made in his memory to Winterboro Baptist Church, 9953 Desoto Caverns Parkway, Alpine, AL 35014 or to Plank Road Station, P.O. Box 114, Alpine, AL 35014. Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.