Portrait of Norman Harrell. IMB Photo

Norman Harrell, an International Mission Board missionary emeritus who shared the gospel in Portugal, died May 14, 2026, in Crowley, Texas. He was 84. 

Norman was born Dec. 31, 1941, in Terrell, Texas, to the late H.E. Harrell and Rachel Thomas Harrell. He received the Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University, Waco, Texas, and the Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.  

He married Gunita Lois Musick on June 27, 1964. After a year of marriage, Norman and Gunita felt a call to missions and moved to northwestern Alaska where they served a two-year term with the Home Mission Board (now North American Mission Board). In 1967, they moved to Fort Worth. Norman enrolled in seminary and served as pastor of Chisholm Baptist Church, 30 miles east of Dallas.  

While seeking missionary appointment Norman wrote, “I feel God’s continual leadership in our lives to missions. I want to serve Christ wherever God wants us to be. I believe God is leading us to foreign missions because I feel the need is greater there.” 

In 1971, the International Mission Board appointed Norman and Gunita missionaries to Portugal, where they served for more than 30 years.  

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Gunita Harrell; his sons, Joel Harrell and John Harrell; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  

A graveside service was held May 16 at Parker Cemetery, near Grapeland, Texas.  

Read an obituary here.