TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Benjamin R. Harrell 1947-2021 Human Resources Executive
A ffectionately known as “Ben Ray,” Benjamin Ray Harrell entered the Chap- ter Invisible on August 17, 2021, in Madison, AL. Harrell was born in Mem- phis, TN on May 29, 1947, the fifth of eight children to David and Lucille Harrell. He attended the Memphis School system and gradu- ated in 1965 from Manassas High School. He graduated from Tennessee State University (TSU), earning B.A. and M.A. degrees in history. He also studied at Columbia University School of Law and completed the General Motors and Ray- theon Company’s Advanced Management Programs. In addition, Harrell received his Master’s degree in Busi- ness Leadership from the University of Chicago. Harrell worked for the General Motors Corpora- tion in various locations around the country. He joined Raytheon in Decem- ber 1987 as Employee Relations Manager at Raytheon Missile Systems
“A LIFE MEMBER OF THE FRATERNITY, HARRELL SUPPORTED COUNTLESS FRATERNITY INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS.”
from TSU. Upon returning to the area, he joined the Huntsville (AL) Alumni Chapter in 2001. He served as chapter Polemarch, was instrumental in revitalizing the Sweetheart Brunch, vital in initiating the “Taste of Kappa”, and was a member of the Huntsville (AL) Alumni Chapter Kappa Scholarship Foundation. He served on the Board of Directors for Crisis Services of North Alabama, North Alabama Boy Scouts, and Grace House orphanage. He was a National Society of Black Engineers Alumni Advisory Council member and the City of Huntsville Community Development Board member. In addition, he was a member of Leader- ship Alabama and has been the Co-Chair for the Ala- bama A&M and Tennessee State University’s Business and Industry Cluster. As a TSU alumnus, he remained active in support of his alma mater. He was a mentor and advisor to many and supported numerous
Divisions in Andover, MA. During his tenure, he held increasingly responsible positions, including Human Resources Manager for Raytheon Huntsville Operations and Manager of Professional Staffing for the Raytheon Systems Company in Arlington, VA, where he was responsible for worldwide staffing for all the Raytheon Systems Company. Harrell was instrumental in Raytheon receiving the 2001 and 2003 Company of the Year Awards from Alabama A&M University Business and Industry Cluster and the company’s nomination for The Department of Labor EVE Award in 2002
and 2003. When Harrell retired from the Raytheon Company, he was respon- sible for all aspects of the company’s operations in Huntsville. Harrell was initiated into the Fraternity as a 1967 initiate via the Tennessee State University Chapter, the Alpha Theta of Kappa Alpha Psi. The Alpha Theta brothers called him “the Glue.” Harrell sincerely loved his fraternity, and that love did not stop when he graduated from TSU. A Life Member of the Fra- ternity, Harrell supported countless fraternity initia- tives and programs. He was a member of several alumni chapters after graduating
76 THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2023
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