Obituary:  Thomas G. (Tommy) Harvell, December 8, 2009

Contributed by Brenda Scott Hines
January 2010

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The Observer/Enterprise,  Coke County, TX - December 18, 2009

HARVELL

Music Hall of Fame member Tommy Harvell succumbs to cancer.  Thomas G. 
(Tommy) Harvell,82, of Oak Creek Lake died December 8, 2009.  He was born 
in Jones County, Texas, and grew up in the Big Spring area.  Mr. Harvell 
was preceded in death by his parents, N. R. Harvell Sr. and Birdie (Bert) 
Dickenson Harvell, and one brother N. R. Harvell Jr., all of Big Spring.

Mr. Harvell is survived by Elsie Harvell, his wife of more than 61 years; 
two sons, Edward and wife Sharon of Canyon and David of Carlsbad; 4 
grandchildren, Jeff, Jon, Kristin and Stephen Harvell; 7 great grandchildren; 
and a sister-in-law, Deina Harvell.

In 1984, Mr Harvell retired after 40 years of service to the Cosden Oil 
Refinery in Big Spring.

His love for his family was matched only by his passion for making others 
happy with his music.  His interest in music began when he learned to play 
the guitar at age 10.  By age 20, he was playing steel guitar, bass guitar, 
banjo and drums.  His love of music and people continued until he played 
his last performance November 2 in Sweetwater.

In July 2009, Tommy Harvell was inducted into the Western Swing Music Hall 
of Fame in Oklahoma City.

Having never met a stranger, Tommy’s friendships were worldwide.  On any 
given weekend, one could find Tommy “Pickin” and grinning’ with some of 
the best.

A celebration of his life is planned for this spring.

Arrangements were by Shaffer Funeral Home.

Permission granted by The Observer/Enterprise for publication
in the Coke County TXGenWeb and the Coke County Archives of the USGenWeb.