Robert J. Harwell

Robert Jennings Harwell, 84, died peacefully on July 7, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on February 7, 1942, in Gastonia, North Carolina, Robert (Bob) was the son of the late Joseph Jennings Harwell and Ollie Mary Gaddis Harwell. Bob was also preceded in death by his two brothers.

Bob shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Dr. Diane Harwell. Although living in different states, they were in Sunbeams together and all other church youth groups at Sandy Plains Baptist Church. Upon moving from the Low Country to the Columbia area, Bob and Diane were members at Temple Baptist before their membership at Beulah where Bob was ordained as a deacon about 50 years ago, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and played on the softball team. Bob loved the men in his Sunday School class, cherished their friendship, and carried on their tradition of a Saturday prayer breakfast. Together Bob and Diane built a life centered on love, family, faith, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Bob served his country in the Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he soon was employed as a plant mechanic by SCE&G at the Canadys plant near Walterboro. He moved from there to the Columbia area where he became the Supervisor of maintenance at the new Wateree plant. During all those years, Bob became close to his work colleagues who felt like part of his family even them being called uncle by his children. He ended his career by teaching for SCE&G at Orangeburg Tech.

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, strength, integrity, and quiet generosity. He touched the lives of many through his steadfast character, willingness to help others, and deep love for his family and friends. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he influenced through his example of compassion, dedication, and grace. Bob loved gifting family, friends, and even strangers with his creations of belt buckles, silver rings, cutting boards, and leather pouches. He was most often seen wearing jeans and boots.

Bob’s love, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his beloved wife, Dr. Diane Harwell, he is survived by his children, Anita María Harwell (Punkie) and Robert Hunter Harwell (Rob), his “second son” Buddy Martin, his 6 grandchildren and their lifetime loves, and 2 great granddaughters - all of whom he loved dearly. He also dearly loved his additional Yarborough family. Among other survivors are brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, Beulah family, Lebanon family, and friends (especially Tom Blease, Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs, and a plethora of Diane’s sorority sisters).

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 15, between 5 and 7 at Thompson’s Funeral Home on Leesburg Road. The service for Bob will be held Thursday, July 16, at 10 AM at Beulah Baptist Church (informal, comfortable attire) followed by interment at Greenlawn Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers who have taken care of Bob during the last couple months (Ann, Becky, Lori, and Sandie). He also received comfort and care by nurses, doctors, and other medical staff during his recent hospital stay. We are, indeed, grateful for everyone who has brought food for him and the family over the last few months and those who came from near (many folk) and from far (Stephanie Vongsaly and Louann Fields) to visit with him. Our thanks are extended to our Beulah family and our Lebanon family, to the young men who will serve as pall bearers, and to staff at Thompson’s Funeral Home and staff at Beulah Baptist Church for assistance with the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beulah Baptist Church missions, to Lebanon Methodist Church shoebox ministry, or to a charity of one’s choice in Bob’s memory. Our gracious thanks to everyone for loving and honoring Bob.