Harrell B. Stevens

Welcome Home Good and Faithful Servant!

A service to celebrate the life of Harrell Bussell Stevens is scheduled for 10:00am on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at First Baptist Church Chapel.  Harrell, 87, of Amarillo, TX, went to meet his Savior on May 29, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Rowley Funeral Home.

Harrell was born to Hardy & Alois Stevens in Phoenix, Arizona.  He grew up in Plainview & Decatur, Texas and moved to Amarillo in high school.  He married his high school sweetheart, Bettye Roberson, in 1958.  They celebrated 65-1/2 wonderful years together.

Harrell worked for Merchants Motor Freight in Midland and was ordained as one of the youngest Deacons at First Baptist Church where he and Bettye were very active in serving the Lord.  He was then transferred by Merchants to Abilene for 3 years.  In 1973, at the age of 36, Harrell moved his family back to Amarillo to join his mom and dad in managing the family business, High Plains Religious Book Store. Bettye joined him in the bookstore business a year later, and they worked together until they retired and sold it to Lifeway in 2003. No matter what “job” the Lord placed him in, Harrell always found a way to serve and minister to others along the way.

Harrell was a quiet soul; however, his discernment and wisdom often put him in leadership positions. He served as chairman of the Board of Christian Bookstores international for several years.  He also served on the Board of BSA Hospital, the Board of the Salvation Army and the Board of Happy State Bank.  He was a deacon for 40 years and an Elder at Messiah’s House.  He and Bettye were charter members of Paramount Baptist Church and then the Lord led them to become charter members of Messiah’s House.  Harrell & Bettye found their way in his final years to join First Baptist Church of Amarillo.

There is one characteristic of Harrell that was immeasurable.  His spirit of peace.  Harrell acted and spoke with peace toward all people.  Harrell strived to live every moment in the fullness of the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  As a business man, he did not view people as customers but as brothers and sisters in Christ seeking to improve their walk with Christ.  As a church leader, he did not view people as church members but as fellow worshippers seeking the very presence of Jesus.  As a husband and father, he saw Bettye and his children with eyes of purest love and compassion, seeking to lead them toward Jesus in every aspect of their lives.  There was such a depth in the way he sought Jesus.  He loved to read evangelical stories of old revivals when Jesus moved across cities and nations in the most powerful ways.  He sought daily to be fully consumed by the Holy Spirit in every manner the Spirit desired.

Harrell loved the Lord first and foremost.  He was a quiet, gentle man, but his smile could light up a room and reach into your heart.  He loved and worshipped the Lord so deeply and was constantly seeking the Lord’s will in every area of his life.  He had a deep love for those who didn’t know Christ as their Savior. He lived a life of service, never seeking recognition, often serving behind the scenes when no one was looking.  He was gifted with discernment and the ability to “bring down the heavens” when he prayed.  He was an amazing father to his three children, teaching them by example, a faithful husband to his wife of almost 66 years, a mentor to many young men, and a friend to all.

Survivors include his wife, Bettye Stevens; his sister, Sara Fyfe of Austin, his son, Greg Stevens and wife, Debra, of San Antonio; his daughter Shelley Bell and husband Monte, of Dallas, and daughter Julie Stevens of Amarillo; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Oh, what a day that will be

When my Jesus I shall see

When I look upon his face

The one who saved me by his grace

What a day, glorious day that will be.

Harrell’s smile is lighting up the heavens and we know without a doubt that he is on his knees before His Savior worshiping and praising Him!

The family requests memorial donations may be made to Life Outreach today Christmas Shoe Project at https://lifetoday.org/outreaches/christmas-shoe-project/