Harris Gledhill Harrell (1949-2021) Our “Big Bad Dad,” the king of Settlers of Catan and the originator of the Goony Bird, passed away from heart failure, in his Draper home, with his family surrounding him. Hair, as he was called (as in lack of), spent his life serving others. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he held many different callings throughout his life as a High Priest. His career began in the military, where he was a T38 and B-52 pilot in the Air Force. He then began directing traffic as an air traffic controller over the Dallas/Ft. Worth skies. In 1990, he moved his family to the Salt Lake City area to be close to his alma mater, BYU, where he controlled the Salt Lake City and surrounding areas’ air space. Harris finished his career by spearheading the redesign of airways within the United States to streamline these airways for safer and more direct routes. Growing up, Harris enjoyed martial arts with his wife and daughters, where he held a black belt in two styles, skiing, and scuba diving with Keets. Harris also loved his latest toy, his Tesla, enjoyed strumming his guitar, watching and talking about anything scientific, and loving on his Pomeranian, Kuma.
He is survived by his amazing wife of 50 years, Ann “Keets” Harrell, whom he met on the shores of the Azores, where both of their parents were stationed in the Air Force. Harris is also survived by his four daughters, Holly Walker, Joy Geraci (Mike Conroe), Shaunna Carlson (Mike Carlson), and Renee Harrell (Andy Dressel), as well as his older brother, Doug Harrell, and his younger sister, Marjo Burdette. Harris has nine grandchildren, Michael Walker, Brittany Walker, Ryan Roose, Ashlun Carlson, Madi Carlson, Collin Carlson, Nicholas Conroe, Makayla Conroe, and Leo Dressel, as well as a great-grandson, Atlas, who will be born in August.
Harris will have a graveside service at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.) on July 26 at 1:00 pm. To view the recorded services please click the following link:https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/NdT6_nioBBNhnZjnz725xI2tzhqERT1NLv8b3XHSNdxmcA27dO-s2gU1w13MSS0K.IeXOUQrLtUlNPImt
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Harris’ nephew, Brayden Wright, who is in the Cardiac ICU waiting for a heart transplant at https://www.gofundme.com/f/hearts-beat-for-brayden
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great man who touched all who knew him. His honesty, compassion and sense of humor were such a presence to everyone that was lucky enough to get to know him. The loss will be felt amongst so many.
With heartfelt sympathy, Heather and Mckenna
Prayers of comfort to your family. I enjoyed working with Harris during our time at the FAA.
RIP Hair. Had good times during our many travels together on the National Airspace Redesign team.
Big hugs from the Archers.
I am so sorry for everyone’s loss. It breaks my heart. Uncle Harris was able amazing man and I loved playing w him when I was younger. I wish I could’ve seen him more as an adult. I know he’s happy wherever he is and that funeral service was beautiful. I’m sure he enjoyed watching from above. I love y’all ❤️