Charles Lawrence Harrell

Charles Lawrence "Chuck" Harrell of Rootstown, OH passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at the age of 91. He was born in Akron, OH on August 2, 1930 to the late Charles B. and Elizabeth {Galla} Harrell.

In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his sisters Betty (Gene) Eichel and Barbara (John) Hamilton; brothers-in-law Leonard Boyer Sr. and Eddy Tewell; daughter-in-law Kathy {Saffels} Harrell.

Chuck will be dearly missed by his wife of 68 years Jean {Mihal} Harrell; children Christopher (Barbara) Harrell, Timothy Harrell, Laurel (Joe) Waples and Gina (Sam) Gynn; grandchildren Chad Harrell, Chase (Michelle) Harrell, Cheri Harrell, Brittany (Travis) Hamlin, Jonathan Waples, Asa and Cody Gynn; great-grandchildren Xander and Isabelle Hamlin, Rose Gynn; sisters Doris Boyer, Judy Tewell and Rose Marie (Bob) Priebe; many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Chuck was an Engineer Draftsman and retired from Hottle and Associates Inc. in Cuyahoga Falls. In his free time, he enjoyed his favorite activities, which included gardening, camping, working around outside on the property, going to church and being involved with church activities, enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. chuck and Jean were recognized for their many years of fostering for Portage County in 1998-1999, as well as recognition from the Ohio Senate and Governor, and were Grand Marshals in the Rootstown Parade.

"Soulmates aren't found, they're made
Yeah, we choose each other every day.
Even when we bend we know we won't break
We just bounce back better 'cause
Soulmates aren't found, they're forged in the same fire
Work at it even when we get tired
making ups out of downs, doing all that it takes
'Cause soulmates aren't found, they're made."
~Spencer Crandell

Chuck and Jean Harrell had 68 years of marriage…that is 24,820 days…595,680 hours…35,740,800 minutes…Time seems infinite until it is not. That is why we must live and love to our fullest every day, and they truly did. They not only vowed to love and care for one another the day they married, but they CHOSE to endure all that life had to offer, as well as take, TOGETHER. 68 years held the stressful times as well as the blissful moments, and yet no matter what trial they faced, they chose to work hard for each other to overcome together. Chuck and Jean's relationship was not only a great role model for their children, but continued to teach their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the hundreds of foster children in their care for almost 40 years what love, hard work and dedication could achieve. They weren't perfect by any means, nor were they expected to be. No, they were the definition of soulmates forged in the same fire, not found, but rather made.

Chuck's passing has been rough for all of the family, not only because we lost a loved one, but also because we lost a man who was proudly called a husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa (aka, "Grandpa Chuck"). While we grieve such a tremendous loss, a little saying comes to mind that has been spoken for years in the Harrell Household. Jean would always tell Chuck "bye bye for now" at the end of every phone call they had with each other. At his passing, she said that Chuck was with the Lord now and she would be seeing him again. It wasn't goodbye forever, just "bye bye for now." Who knew such a simple saying could strike a million memories of the love they shared, no matter how far apart they may be.

We don't know how long we have with each other. 68 years seems like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, its not long enough. Those who have had the honor of knowing Chuck will always hold many cherished memories. Now, we must remember him for lonnger than we've known him, but as Jean says, "bye bye for now." We'll be seeing you at the Pearly Gates of Heaven.

We love you.

The family would like to thank Altercare Western Reserve of Stow for their excellent service and care of Chuck during his stay.

Per Chuck's wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no formal services. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. To leave a message for Chuck's family, please scroll below.