Alan Conn (A. C.) Harwell

Alan Conn (A. C.) Harwell, age 77 of Cumming, Georgia passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Northside Hospital after an extended illness. Al was born November 4, 1946, in Rome, Georgia to the late Jack D. Harwell, Sr. and Emma Conn Harwell. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, John Steven Harwell, brother-in-law, Roger D. Selman and son-in-law, Matthew Al Pirkle.

A.C. is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Wells Harwell, two daughters, Juli H. Pirkle and Stephanie H. Pirkle, grandchildren, whom he adored, Ali (Matthew) Connor, Riley Pirkle, Emma Pirkle, and Cason Pirkle, brother, Jack D. Harwell, Jr., sister, Judy Harwell, and sister-in-law, Donna W. Selman. His associate, Ross Selman and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

A.C. graduated from Armuchee High School in Rome, Georgia in 1965. He was a lifelong learner and attended several colleges before earning his B. S. degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1970. He earned his Master’s degree and Education Specialist degree from the University of Georgia. He was an avid UGA Bulldog fan and followed them on the road, in Athens, and in front of the TV when he couldn't travel.

In 1970, he began his career in education in Wheeler County, Georgia as a PE teacher, baseball coach and football coach. He later became a teacher and coach at Trion High School in Trion, Georgia. From Trion, he went to Pike County High School in Zebulon, Georgia. In 1979 he moved to Cumming, Georgia to become an assistant principal at Forsyth County High School. Although, he loved the field of education, he was given the opportunity in 1980 to go to work for the Legislative Educational Research Council in Atlanta under the guidance of Dr. James W. Mullins, his friend and mentor for 50 years. Later, he began his own business, A. C. Harwell and Associates, where he worked until his death.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming, GA with Rev. Mike Woods officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of service.

The service can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/live/QBoeHD28riM?si=QuihazZ1S0LEy4hr

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to one of the following:

Jesse's House, P. O. Box 3318, Cumming, Georgia 30028

Bald Ridge Boys Lodge, 505 Lakeland Plaza #302, Cumming, Georgia 30040

North Forsyth High School JROTC, 3635 Coal Mountain Drive, Cumming, Georgia 30028 Attn: R. Merritt

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave., Cumming, GA 30040 in charge of arrangements.