BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—Three days after his sudden death, friends and family prepare to say a final farewell to a man many considered a local legend, hero and mentor on and off the track.
On Friday, friends say Franklin “Del” Harwell, Jr., 51, of Moncks Corner passed away doing what he loved at Bowman Dragway—racing cars.
“He was in the finals when he wrecked after he crossed the finish line winning the race,” stated longtime friend, Jerry Shuler. “We don’t know what caused it, but we think it was mechanical failure. He went out a winner.”
Hours after Harwell’s untimely passing, Bowman Dragway took to Facebook to show its respect for a man who touched so many lives during his short time on earth:
R.I.P. Mr. HARWELL
Your presence will truly be missed. You possessed the true qualities of a dragracer. Not only did you build the engines for the cars, but you tuned them and drove them! No one can say that you wasn’t
doing what you truly loved, when you were suddenly taken away from us. Race on on racer!! GODSPEED–Bowman Dragway
Considered the Dale Earnhardt of drag racing, friends say he lived and breathed the sport. He was also a long time member of the Southern Drag Racing Association, and a multi champion of the International Hot Rod Association.
“When he showed up at the track, you knew there was going to be some good racing,” stated Jim Morrell of Goose Creek. “I take comfort in knowing that he was doing what he loved when he passed.”
Morrell served as the fire and first response team supervisor at Cooper River Dragway for about ten years.
“Del was almost there every weekend,” stated Morrell. “He always had a smile and handshake for you.”
Morrell’s son, Andrew, often accompanied his dad out on the track. As he grew older, he eventually worked the ticket booth where racers would receive their time slips. Each one identified the racing winner.
“Del no matter win or lose, always kept a positive attitude. Being at the end of the track with the job that I did, I saw many drivers express their emotions or frustrations before they reached the pits,” stated Andrew Morrell. “Del never took his frustrations or emotions out on anyone. He was kind and a big-hearted person who was there whenever you needed him. In all, the racing world lost a selfless man and he will be greatly missed.”
For Shuler, Harwell was a like a father. He knew the local racing legend for more than 30 years and says he was a man who never took life too seriously. He was always smiling.
“He was one that you could talk to about anything at any time. You never seen him without a smile no matter how bad he felt,” stated Shuler. “It’s amazing how one man can affect so many lives of all ages. Life in the race world will never be the same without the Legend Del Harwell. I can’t express how much we loved him, and how much we are going to miss this great man. If only a percentage of the world was like Del it would be a better place.”
Harwell’s funeral will take place on Tuesday afternoon, September 8, 2015, in the Chapel of Dial-Murray Funeral Home, Moncks Corner. He leaves behind a wife and daughter.
