Robert "Gene" Eugene Harrell, Jr.

Robert Eugene “Gene” Harrell, Jr. of Palm Bay, FL, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, with his loving wife by his side. He was 75 years old.

Gene was born in Plant City, FL, on February 17, 1950. He attended Melbourne High School, where he met and started dating his future bride, Kathy; he graduated in 1968. Gene and Kathy were married on December 19, 1970, living a loving life together for over 54 years. He served in the United States Air Force and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a lifelong Firefighter serving the Melbourne Fire Department, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Fire Department (Retired Assistant Chief), Brevard County Fire Rescue, and Palm Bay Fire Rescue where he retired in 2018 as Battalion Chief.

Gene had a very kind heart and would help anyone in need if he could do so. He was very involved with community service projects and promoting fire safety; he was very passionate about these activities. He was always smiling and loved to joke around, doing so right up to the days before his passing. He always saw the good in any situation. He enjoyed photography, gardening, and spending time with his family and friends in his spare time.

Gene is survived by his wife Kathy Harrell, daughters Cari Hintz (Mike) and Mandy Jervis (Chris), sisters Charlotte Guttenberg and Sharon Reardon, Aunt Lois Haley, granddaughter Eryka DomBek, grandson Tyler Mustain and his two beloved dogs Heidi and Sadie.

Gene has left a hole in the hearts of everyone who called him Babe, Daddy, Grampy, Uncle Gene, brother, nephew, and friend. He will be forever missed and forever loved.