William Rowdy And Blakley Peyton Lightsey Harrell

William Rowdy Harrell, age 30 and Blakley Peyton Lightsey Harrell age 23, of Concord, North Carolina passed away on November 24, 2020. The family will hold a private service and burial on Saturday, December 5, 2020 with Magnolia Chapel South directing. There will be a public Celebration of Life held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 3:00 pm at Howell Field, Highway 69 South, Rowdy Harrell Way. Moundville, Alabama 35474.

Blakley is preceded in death by her great grandparents; Sarah Nixon, Charlie and Dene Dyer and grandmother; Debra Lightsey.

Rowdy is preceded in death by his grandparents; Leon and Lanette Moore.

Blakley is survived by her parents; Brandon Lightsey and Stacie Mills Kelley, sisters; Meri – Brandon Lightsey, Bella Grace Lightsey, brother; Gunner Wade Kelley, and her grandparents; Ricky and Cathy Reese and Larry Lightsey.

Rowdy is survived by his parents; Randy and Cindy Harrell, sisters; Cammie Harrell Brown (Frederick), Rindy Harrell Hodges,(Danny) grandparents; John and Tonia Harrell, nieces; Caimyn Hope Brown, Carsyn Henley Brown, Camryn Hartlee Brown, nephews; Danson Drake Hodges, Daxton Dre Hodges, and his aunt Lesly Gantt (Joe) and special parents; Steve and Cassandra Duncan.

Rowdy graduated from Hale County High School in 2008, following high school he was a walk- on for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide as a linebacker. He was apart of the 2009,2011, and 2012 National Championship teams. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology in 2012. In August 2012 Rowdy went to work for Hendrick Motor Sports where he began his career as a pit support member under Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the 88 car. In 2015 he was moved to a starting position as a rear tire carrier. While as a starter for the sprint cup series he also worked in the Xfinity Series where he was a part of the championship team with William Byron in 2017 and Tyler Reddick in 2018. After Earnhardt’s retirement in 2017 Rowdy remained on the #88 car with new driver Alex Bowman.

Blakley was born, September 24, 1997 in Tuscaloosa to Stacie Kelley and Brandon Lightsey. Blakley grew up one of four siblings. She graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 2016. Following graduation, she completed a cosmetology apprenticeship with Rindy. Little did we all know this was God’s divine plan to bring Rowdy and Blakley together.

While Rowdy achieved much success in his professional life, it was his love for his family and friends that was most important to him. There are no words that can adequately describe the type of husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend Rowdy was to everyone. Any person that knew Rowdy would quickly tell you that his family was his foundation. He adored his nieces and nephews, had a bond with his two sisters that was indescribable, and loved his mama and daddy more than words could say.

Those who knew Blakley best were not ever deceived by her size, although petit she was perfectly able to take care of herself.  She was tough, tender, funny and seriously beautiful and humble all at the same time. She loved “BIG”. Together with Loki and Nessie they were their own little family. Her family was her priority. She wanted all those around her to feel beautiful and happy. This overflowed to her job at Beau Reve Salon. She took pride in her work, wanting every client to feel more beautiful when they left her chair than they felt before they sat down.

In 2017, Rowdy and Blakley began dating which Rowdy referred to as his greatest blessing yet. Their love was unique in that it was able to connect and inspire all who knew them. It was evident to any bystander that their love radiated and lit up a bright spot in a dark world. Rowdy would quickly tell you that he was the luckiest man in the world to have Blakley by his side and as his wife. In Rowdy’s spare time he enjoyed playing golf, being on the water, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Tide.

Rowdy left a legacy of being in love with life. He was always the first one to crack a joke, bust a dance move, and have a craft beer with you. He lived a life that showed us to not sweat the small stuff, love everyone, and not take a single breath for granted. He lived with a passion for life which reminds us all, to live and love like Rowdy. Blakley enjoyed spending time with family, friends and shopping and doing life with Rowdy.

Pallbearers will be Hunter Duncan, Andrew Hedrick, Cody Shultz, Joso, Tanner Andrews, Jake Conley, Dustin Lineback, Koulson Guy, Clayton Guy, Tristen Brown, Tyler Dement, Fernando Zambrano, Nick Covey, Devin Delricco, Justin Gant, Cody Flora, Cody Freeman, William Fife, Adam Seale, Chris Steward, Jared Seate, Scotty Brzozowski, Orane Ossowski.

Honorary Pallbearers are Rick Hendrick, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Alex Bowman,  Greg and Jessica Ives, Hendricks Motor Sports Team, Wade Kelley, Coach Nick Saban, Coach Scott Cochran, 2009 to 2012 UA Football teams, Arturo Zambrano, Beau Reve Salon, R & Co salon, all of Blakley’s closest friends, Howell and Tammy Poole and the Bank of Moundville, Shelton State Community College, Tony and Brandi Lester, City of Moundville, Mr. Ed Bester, Freddie Roach, Chris Hilliker, Coach Darrin Hughes, and Kirk Pearson.

In lieu of flowers the family request donation be made to the Rowdy Harrell Scholarship Fund at the Bank of Moundville, P.O. Box 158 Moundville, Alabama 35474