Basil F. "Bob" Jarrell

Basil F. “Bob” Jarrell, 96, died Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Cornerstone Hospice in Tavares. Bob is predeceased by his wife June Oxley Jarrell, son Stephen Jarrell and grandson Joshua Bailey. He leaves his younger brother Tunney Jarrell, his sons Mark Jarrell (Rose Scala) and Jack Jarrell (Sherry Jarrell), and daughters Julie Bailey (Steve Bailey), Sue Jarrell (Sherry Kinlaw), Martha Jarrell and Mary Jarrell, as well as eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. A native of West Virginia, Bob grew up during the Great Depression, the second of three sons born to Gladys Davis Jarrell and Andrew Jarrell. Like so many of the Greatest Generation, Bob served in the armed forces in WWII with the U.S. Navy. In July of 1947, Bob married June Oxley and began creating their large family. He was discharged from the Navy shortly thereafter and attended Morris Harvey College (now The University of Charleston) where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English. Bob’s first career was as a journalist. He wrote a column for the Charleston Daily Mail and later, after moving the family to Florida, reported for the Lakeland Ledger. A keen interest in city government prodded Bob to make a career change in the early 1960s - he was city manager in both Florida and West Virginia towns for the remainder of his working life and retired from his position as city manager of Eustis, FL in 1985. For the past several years, Bob has lived in Umatilla with his granddaughter, Keri Jarrell McCollum, her husband Bradley McCollum and her son Reid Jarrell Manno. Living at home, supported by loved ones during his declining years, was undoubtedly key to Bob’s longevity. Often challenging and impatient, but never boring, Bob was not afraid to express his opinions. In fact, he loved to debate, sometimes to his children’s dismay. He was politically engaged, an avid reader, a great writer and a jokester. He was also a very skilled carpenter - Bob built the family’s first home from the ground-up and made renovations to all of their homes over the years. Bob loved games of all kinds, especially games of chance. Had he not been an incredibly responsible parent and husband, Bob might have pursued a career as a professional gambler. In recent years, Bob’s number one passion was playing the Florida Lottery. He never hit that jackpot but his hope sprang eternal with every scratch-off, every Mega Millions and every Cash4Life ticket. But it was his generosity that compelled him - Bob wanted nothing more than to make those he loved wealthy. Bob will rest next to his beloved June at the family cemetery on his son Mark’s farm in Pence Springs, WV. A memorial service will be held there on Father’s Day, June 17. In lieu of flowers, remember Bob by voting - especially in local elections - and by working to protect our fragile democracy. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.