Name: Visitation for Ret. Green Beret MG Gary Harrell
Start: 2023-02-19T14:30:00.000Z
End: 2023-02-19T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Boones Creek Christian Church

JOHNSON CITY - Retired Green Beret MG Gary Harrell, a former Delta Force Commander whose numerous military exploits included hunting Pablo Escobar, rescuing American hostages in Panama, and operations in Somalia, died early Valentine's Day in Johnson City, TN. He was 71. Harrell peacefully reunited with his brothers-in-arms who went before him, surrounded by loved ones, following an 18-month battle against his toughest enemy yet, Glioblastoma brain cancer.

Harrell was born in Johnson City, TN in 1951. He was awarded the first 4-year ROTC scholarship to ETSU and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in December 1973. In 1977, Harrell completed the Special Forces Qualification Course. From there, his storied career took him around the globe. He spent 15 years with Delta Force, to include two years as commander. After leaving Delta, he joined Central Command and oversaw the initial operations in Afghanistan. He was SOCCENT commander during the beginning stages of the ground war in Iraq. In 2008, MG Harrell retired from the US Army and continued work in the private sector.

MG Harrell is survived by: his bride of 50 years, the former Jennifer Counts; daughter, Andrea Burchette and her husband Kevin Burchette and daughters Carson Grace and Callie Faith; son, Chad Harrell and his wife Marcia and sons Rory Lynn and William Finnegan; and daughter, Amanda Schwamburger and husband Nathan Schwamburger and son Harrell Thomas and daughter Hadley Canon; his mother, Louise Harrell; brothers, Robert Harrell and wife Donna, Jim Harrell and his wife Donna, and sister, Mary Blake; brother-in-law, Lawrence Counts and his wife Choureé. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Harrell.

Visitation will be held at Boones Creek Christian Church, 2684 Boones Creek Rd., Johnson City, TN 37615, this Sunday, February 19th from 2:30 pm until 6:00 pm with the funeral service to follow at 6:30 pm, which will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Boones Creek Christian Church's Facebook page. The burial service will be conducted Monday, February 20th, at 9:00 am at Mountain Home National Cemetery (Annex), 215 Heroes Dr., Mountain Home, TN 37684.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Task Force Dagger in memory of MG Harrell. https://www.classy.org/give/164163/#!/donation/checkout

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Harrell family. (423)282-1521

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Johnson City Press from Feb. 16 to Feb. 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Harrell

Sponsored by Morris-Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

7 Entries

Kerry Mitchell

February 10, 2024

Sometimes people come into our lives for a short time, yet they are never forgotten. I was able assist Jen and Gary in a personal matter and sat with Gary for about a hour. He shared his feelings on family and manhood. At that time, I didn't know of his background yet his words were heartfelt and never taken lightly. When I did realize who he was, it was years later. This is when I realized that through adversity, love of Christ and love of country, inner strength will always conquer the evil in this world. Glad I received the reminder of the Gary's passing and I know he is without pain and is home. His life and contributions will always be worth celebrating.

Marie von Haas

May 10, 2023

Jennifer and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am confident that he will be joining his brothers-in-arms. Bruno was waiting for him. He passed 25 October 2022.
I remember fondly our time together at Fort Benning, Georgia, IOAC 1980.
Bruno would wanted me to say "De Oppresso Liber."

Kerry Mitchell

March 16, 2023

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing to his heavenly home.
His dedication to Jen and his professional demeanor was obvious in his life here in Tampa Bay.

J. Michael Wills

March 13, 2023

I had the great opportunity to serve with MG Harrell when he was in 1st SFOD-D and the J-3 Directorate at JSOC from 1988-1991. Gary was the quintessential quiet professional and a soldier of the highest integrity who possessed all the virtues of a true warrior and American Hero. His work ethic was second to none, but he had the unique ability to treat his soldiers and friend with dignity and respect regardless of their rank. I will miss his ready smile and wonderful sense of humor. I am certain is in a better place. Rest In Peace brother warrior.
Mike Wills, Retired Marine

Jimmy & Joyce Zukas

February 19, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. As a young man coming up behind Gary in high school I admired him tremendously. During the time I played football I chose Gary's jersey number. I remained a big fan of Gary's service to this nation, it was truly an honor to call him my friend. God Bless you Jenny and his wonderful family.

Randy Hardin and family

February 19, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.