William C. “Billy” Harwell

Former owner of J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home

Mr. William C. “Billy” Harwell, age 74, of Covington passed away Friday, March 14, 2014.  He was born January 5, 1940 to the late J. Charles and Otera Jackson Harwell in Covington, Georgia.  Mr. Harwell was a 1958 graduate of Newton County High School.  After high school he attended and was a 1962 graduate from Auburn University with a degree in Business Administration.  While at Auburn he joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and met his soon to be wife, Jean Mackey.  Following graduation from Auburn University Mr. Harwell completed Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and entered the United States Navy as an Ensign.  He achieved the rank of Lieutenant before being honorably discharged in 1966.  While serving his country he served aboard the USS Manley and the USS R.H. McCard.  After his time in the Navy he was employed with Honeywell Corporation for several years before returning home to Covington in 1973 to work with his father, Mr. Charles Harwell in the family business, J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home.  Upon returning to Covington, he and his brother, Jack both attended and graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in 1975, during that year Billy served as President of their class.  After his father retired, Billy owned and operated the family business until his retirement in 2003.  An avid golfer, Billy could be found playing golf with his regular group every Wednesday and Saturday for many years at the Monroe Country Club and traveling with his friends from Covington to play golf at many different locations.  The group went to Pebble Beach, California and to Ireland playing golf on many historic courses.  He was Methodist by faith and a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Covington.  A loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, Mr. Harwell is survived by his wife Jean Mackey Harwell of Covington, son and daughter-in-law William C. “Bill” Harwell, Jr and Lisa M. Harwell of Covington, daughter and son-in-law Tracy Harwell Cross and Eric Cross of Smyrna, brother Jack Harwell of Covington, grandchildren Sally Brighton Harwell, Emmy Catherine Cross, Clayton Eric Cross and William Anderson Harwell.  He is also survived by 3 nieces, numerous other family members and a host of close friends. 

Funeral services for Mr. Harwell will be held at 2 o’clock on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at the Chapel of J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home with the Reverend Doctor Douglas Gilreath and Reverend Jan McCoy officiating.  Interment will follow at the Covington City Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4pm until 6pm on Saturday, March 15, 2014.  In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations to the Covington First United Methodist Church, Technology Fund, 1113 Church Street, Covington, GA 30014 or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association 912 Killian Hill Road, Lilburn, GA 30047.  J.C. Harwell & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Chapel, 2157 East Street S.E., Covington, GA 30014 is in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be left and a guest book may be signed on-line at www.harwellfuneralhome.com