Lewis (Sonny) Harrell

Monday, January 21, 1946 – Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Lewis (Sonny) Harrell, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the age of 80. He was born in Chauncey, Georgia, on January 21, 1946, to the late Melvin Harrell and Leila Dykes Harrell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Chris Harrell; his wife, Waunell Dykes Harrell; and his sisters, Betty Reynolds and Laura Gore.

Funeral Services will be held at the Chapel of Lowes Funeral Home on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Ray Harris officiating, assisted by Dr. Donnie Sutton. Interment will follow at Helena City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Chapel of Lowes Funeral Home on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Sonny is survived by his granddaughter, Kristin Jade Johnson (Brenden) of Douglas; his two great-grandchildren, Kyndal Johnson and Ian Johnson of Douglas; his step-daughter, Rhonda Pittman of Weaverville, North Carolina, and his sister, Doris Cravey of Helena.

A graduate of Telfair County High School, Lewis spent several years in the workforce before pursuing his passion for higher education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Brewton Parker College and later went on to complete his master’s degree at Mercer University. Sonny began his career in teaching sixth-grade and special education teacher at Workmore School. Driven by a desire to continue growing and serving his students, he returned to Mercer University to earn his degree in Library Science. Following his time in the classroom, Sonny served at the Ocmulgee Regional Library until his retirement, while also sharing his expertise as an instructor for Mercer University night classes.

As a bivocational minister, Sonny faithfully pastored Ocmulgee Baptist Church in Eastman, Zion Hope Church in Chauncey, Scotland Baptist Church in Scotland, and Eastside Baptist Church in Eastman.

Sonny spent his life embracing every moment to the fullest. He loved sports, hunting, and fishing. Though later in his life physical limitations made it difficult to continue those activities, he treasured spending time with his granddaughter and great-grandchildren. We know that there was much rejoicing in heaven when he arrived to meet Jesus, the One he had so faithfully served throughout his life.

You may express your condolences online at lowesfuneralhome.net.

Lowes Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.