Terry Wayne Harwell

Mr. Terry Wayne Harwell of Pulaski, TN, passed away on August 3, 2026, at the age of 74. He was born on September 4, 1951 to Aubrey Neal Harwell and Lucy Slaton Harwell. Much of his youth was spent in Minor Hill, but he later settled in Pulaski where he would raise his family. Terry spent many years in the automotive industry at Elliott Popham, Murrey Chevrolet, and his own tire shop; many in the community can remember that smiling face greeting them on the lot and helping them drive away in the car of their dreams. Being so well known in the community, Terry decided to run for the Giles County Commission, and he served in that position for many years. He eventually left the automotive industry to work in county government for several years before his retirement. Even in retirement, he stayed busy by working part-time at Tractor Supply Company. When he was a teenager, Terry cofounded the Goodsprings Band with Joel Slaton and Winfred Barnett (earlier members included Danny and Greg Wolf; later members included Renee Eddie Daughtry and Kevin Smith). Whether it be in the traveling band van with blue shag carpet, at the Elks Lodge on karaoke night, or the Blackberry Festival in Lynnville, Terry could always be found with his bass guitar in hand, strumming away to some good old music. When he wasn’t playing music, Terry could often be found watching baseball (Yankees), basketball (Lady Vols), and football (Vols and Titans). Terry’s greatest love was his family, and it drove him in all he did in life. He had three children: Chris, Kristi, and Katie; and six grandchildren: Hunter, Susan, Ramsey, Tucker, Sam, and Noelle. He could always be found watching his children and grandchildren performing in the band or playing football, basketball, softball, baseball, and soccer (his heckling of umpires brought much laughter to fans in the stands). His most recent joy in life was his youngest grandchild, Noelle; always her granddaddy’s girl, Noelle even had a Vols outfit to match with her grandfather on game day. 

Terry is preceded in death by his father, Aubrey Neal Harwell; his mother, Lucy Slaton Harwell; sisters Jeanette Roberts, Deborah Harwell, and Mary Jonell Jones. 

Terry is survived by children Chris Williams (Emmy), Kristi Garrett (Shawn), and Katie Harwell; grandchildren Hunter Dunavant, Susan Williams, Ramsey Dunavant, Tucker Dunavant, Samuel Williams, and Noelle Harwell Collins; sisters Joyce McCurry, Donna Casteel, and Faye Oliver; and many other nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones. 

A celebration of life for Terry Wayne Harwell will be announced at a later date.

Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Terry Wayne Harwell.