Harrell Thomas Heptinstall Services for Harrell Thomas Heptinstall will be held Sunday, November 11, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend John Sweeny officiating. Burial will be in Newton Masonic Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Harrell Thomas Heptinstall went to be with the Lord Thursday morning, November 8, 2012. He was born December 21, 1935 in Ennis, Ellis County, Texas. He attended school in Oklahoma. Texas and Soso and Calhoun, Mississippi. He was of the Baptist faith. He served 20 years in the United States Air Force during which time he served overseas in Fairbanks, Alaska, Kwajalein Atoll in Marshall Islands, Johnson Island, and Ismir, Turkey. During his years in service, Harrell eaned credits from William Carey College in Hattiesburg and when he retired August 31, 1975, he immediately began teaching at Meridian Community College. A few months later he walked across the stage to receive his degree from William Carey College. He retired with twenty years service at Meridian Community College in 1995. Always a lover of the guitar and country western music, he began playing and singing with his own little band, entertaining the Officer's Club in Johnston Island. Years later, in Meridian, he organized a blue grass band, Mid South Bluegrass Band., playing and singing for several years at Bluegrass Festivals. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 21 (First Vice Commander); Masonic Lodge (Past Master); Scottish Rite Bodies, Hamasa Shriner (32nd Degree); The International Singing Breakmen Association (President); hosted Hospitality Room during Jimmie Rodgers Week; Magnolia State Bluegrass Association (Secretary); and a promoter of Bluegrass Festivals. He was predeceased by his parents, Sanford Samuel Heptinstall and Wilma Garrison Heptinstall, a daughter, Darlene Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife of 49 years. Joan Hines Heptinstall, one daughter, Denise Ann Randall. one granddaughter, Ginny Harrrison, all of Meridian, one brother., Calvin Heptinstall, and two sisters, Jean H. Holifield and Jannis Baird,, all of Laurel. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at robertbarhamffh.com. Visitation will be held Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Harrell Thomas Heptinstall, please visit our
flower store.
