Robert Lofton Harrell's Obituary
Robert Lofton Harrell (83) of Fort Payne, Alabama, departed this life on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Known to his friends and family as Bob, Doc, or Papa Doc; he was a "Great American", as stated by a fellow Viet Nam veteran.
He was a member of the Marine Corps League in Fort Payne, Alabama and was Past Commandant of Detachment 1404.
Bob served in Vietnam as a U.S. Navy Fleet Marine Force Corpsman. He was a dedicated “Doc” to Marines … and our Marines love this Doc!
Bob was active since day one in Detachment 1404 - playing an important role in establishing visitations with veterans and veteran spouses confined to nursing homes & rehabs. He also worked in the Marine Toys for Tots campaigns.
Detachment 1404 members will sorely miss Bob’s compassion, dry wit, ingenuity, diplomacy, hard work, and dedication to Corps & Country.
He was preceded in death by his brother Rick Harrell and survived by brother John Harrell and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his adoring wife, Beth Head Harrell.
A memorial celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 27th at First Presbyterian Church, Grand Avenue, Fort Payne, Alabama.
Memorial gifts should be made out to:
Marine Toys for Tots
(Memo line: Dekalb County, Alabama)
Mail to:
Marine Toys for Tots
C/O: Dekalb Coordinator LaRue Hardinger
P. O. Box 681516
Fort Payne, Alabama 35968
Doc ~ we salute your years of service & leadership; your work with Marine Toys for Tots; and your special brand of camaraderie!
Doc ~ only God knows how many Marines you saved in wartime (while under fire) and how many veterans you have served with honor, since.
Your empathy made them feel SEEN and HEARD!
Rest easy, Doc - we have the watch. Fair winds and following seas, Brother.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
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