Retired 1st Lieutenant of the U.S. Army, and professor emeritus of business administration at West Virginia University, Dr. John Llewellyn Harpell Jr., of Phi Beta Kappa, passed gracefully on March 8, 2024, in Silver Spring, Md., at the age of 85.
Born in 1938 in Stoneham, Mass., Jack Harpell was known affectionately as “Doc H” by over 14,000 students he taught during his decades at WVU, where he received numerous accolades ranging from Professor of the Year to WVU Faculty League Bowling Champion.
One of 20 charter members of the Decision Sciences Institute of America, Dr. Harpell published scores of scientific papers and articles and more than a dozen books on management and marketing. He appeared on television several times, with his most notable appearance being a live debate he won against Jay Rockefeller.
A deeply religious man dedicated to teaching and helping others, Dr. Harpell helped found several ministries in and around Morgantown, hosting ceremonies in his home and even driving a bulldozer to help build one new church. Whether he was tending the Welcome to Morgantown gardens for the Kiwanis Club, or driving people to church or their medical appointments, or counseling Fortune 500 clients, Jack was sure to remind everyone that “God Loves You!”
Dr. Harpell is survived by his son, John Harpell III, and granddaughter, Josephine Harpell; his daughter, Johanna Estes, and grandchildren, Oliver, Hallisey and William Estes; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, from 4 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 17.
In lieu of donations, please honor Jack’s memory by following his example — give a smile to a complete stranger, every day!
Condolences:
hastingsfuneralhome.com
