September 14, 1923 –  July 21, 2011 Joe Samuel Harrell was born Sept. 14, 1923, and died July 21, 2011.He was born in Wolfe City, Texas. He fondly told stories of life growing up on a farm and the hardships, lessons learned and sense of community they felt. He attended Texas A&M before entering the U.S. Army and serving in the 99th Infantry Division as a PFC in Company C, 393rd Infantry Regiment.

He was wounded in the “Battle of the Bulge” at Elsenborn Ridge in the Ardennes in Belgium. This experience wasn’t discussed much until he participated later in life in reunions with fellow veterans involved in the campaign which brought forth stories of which movies are made.

Following the war and his recovery, he worked a variety of jobs in North Texas before moving into sales with the opportunity to travel the southeast. He met his future wife, Susan Yates on a sales call in Memphis, Tenn. and they married in 1956. A young family soon followed and job opportunities took them to Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio before relocating to Dallas in 1965.

He founded two companies which he sold to establish his final business venture, Nucon, Inc., a manufacturer of injection molded products.

He enjoyed flying, motorcycles and playing golf and tennis at Oak Cliff Country Club while he was able. He worked well into what would have been retirement age for many and eventually sold the business. He cared for Susan for several years after her stroke and then found himself a care giving recipient.

He was a resident of Walnut Place in Dallas for the last several years and will be missed by the wonderful staff that so compassionately cared for him as well as his remaining friends and family. Courageous, confident, and compassionate describe his character along with a never dying sense of optimism and entrepreneurial “can do” sprit.

He was preceded in death by his wife Susan C. Harrell.

Survivors include his son, Sam Harrell, daughter-in-law Amber and grandson Jared of Dallas; daughter Cathy Kathan, son-in-law Dan, grandson Matthew and granddaughter Jessica of Moraga, Calif.

A memorial service will be held in Wolfe City on September 24, 2011 at 12:00 P.M. at the family farm. A private burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

R.W. Owens & Son Funeral Home of Wolfe City is in charge of arrangements.