Mr. Winfred Mitchell Harrell

Our beloved Winfred Mitchell Harrell was born on November 10th, 1940 in Hudson, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents J.L. Harrell & Helen Knowles Harrell, brother Levy Harrell, and son Mark Harrell. He is survived by his loving wife of forty-seven years Sue Harrell, daughter Amy Harrell Wineinger (Mark), son Doug Padgett (Lesley), and daughter LeAnne Bottorff (Chad). Winfred’s favorite roll in life was being “Papa” to his eight grandchildren: Chloe, Camryn & Carver Wineinger, Emma & Laney Padgett, and Kate, Stock, & Millie Bottorff. His family moved from Hudson to Plant City in 1950. They owned a family fish market business (Harrell’s Fish Market) in downtown Plant City. From a young age, Winfred diligently worked at the fish market by netting mullet, and he mastered the art of filleting fish. This was when his parents instilled in him exemplary work ethic that he carried on throughout his entire life. He graduated from Plant City High School in 1959, where he was co-captain of the football team, member of the Key Club, and voted “most athletic” for Senior Superlatives. After graduation, he went to work for the Coronet Phosphate mines as an electrician for twenty-five years. While working full-time at the mines, in 1962, he started Harrell’s Nursery out of his backyard. His love for growing Azaleas ignited his passion to create his own business. Today, the nursery is incorporated as Harrell’s Nursery Inc. and has expanded to encompass 400 acres and 150 employees. In 1984, Winfred retired from the mines to devote all his efforts into growing his business. He is described as a pioneer in the nursery industry by other nursery owners for his invaluable propagation techniques and expanding operations. He was a lifelong member of the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association (FNGLA), founding member of the Tampa Bay Wholesale Growers Association, the 2010 Florida Southern College Horticulturist of the Year recipient, and the 2023 Harvest Farm Family of the Year recipient. He worked everyday at the nursery up until he passed peacefully at the age of eighty-four on November 28th, 2024. In addition to being a devout business owner, more importantly, he was a devout Christian. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Plant City. He was also a dedicated member of the Gideon prison ministry, where he shared the Gospel with inmates. In addition to his nursery endeavors, he was a trustee at South Florida Baptist Hospital and a board of director at Sunshine State Federal Savings and Loan. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing with friends at Lone Palm, attending FSU and Bucs football games, rooting for his grandchildren from the sidelines, and preparing large fish fries for his employees, who he loved like family. His life’s mission was to be an ambassador for Christ and for all his family and friends to be Believers. He made a lasting impact on everyone he met with his bright smile, embracing personality, and humble character. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on through his testimony, family, friends, and business. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church Plant City, 3309 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. Committal to follow at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at https://www.fbcpc.com/live. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: First Baptist Church of Plant City (Building Fund) or The International Gideon’s Association. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Mr. Winfred Mitchell Harrell

November 10, 1940 - November 28, 2024

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Mr. Winfred Mitchell Harrell

November 10, 1940 - November 28, 2024

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