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Dec. 2, 1953 – March 3, 2015

PELAHATCHIE — A celebration of life service for Richard Leo Harrell, 61, who died Tuesday, March 3, 2015, surrounded by his family, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Barefoot Springs Baptist Church in Pelahatchie.

Not just the consummate conversationalist, Richard was much more. He was born Dec. 2, 1953, in Shreveport, La., the son of Leo Harrell and Doris Elizabeth Harrell.

He attended and graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in history and economics before continuing on to LSU law school. He then graduated with a master of laws in admiralty from Tulane Law School and was licensed to practice law in Louisiana and Texas.

Richard started practice in Maritime law in Houston before moving to Corpus Christi, Texas, to continue his litigation practice at the Edwards Law Firm.

While in law school, Richard met and married the love of his life, Rosalba Harrell. Together they had three wonderful children, who he regarded as his greatest accomplishments: Richard Alexander Harrell, Katherine Elizabeth Harrell and Rebecca Anne Harrell.

Those who knew Richard Harrell knew that there was no such thing as a short conversation with him. Like a sponge, he retained fascinating tidbits about philosophy, politics, history and his family ancestry, and he was always ready to enthusiastically discuss them. Along with philosophical conversations that inspired deep and unique reflections on these topics, Richard frequently spoke of the vital role of love in the world and the importance of personal happiness.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Robyn Elizabeth Harrell.

Survivors include his one brother, Ronald Ventis Harrell and one sister, Regina Kathryn Coker.