Bobby Harwell, professionally known as B.R. Harwell, made his grand entrance into this world on August 22, 1931, in the charming town of Nashville, Arkansas. As the calendar pages turned and his eighteenth birthday approached, Harwell seized the opportunity to embark on his inaugural major escapade, joining forces with his brother Bill to sign on with a Swedish freighter, which would soon set sail for the exotic shores of India, marking the beginning of a thrilling journey that would leave a lasting impression on his life.
As a consequence of a sequence of unforeseen events, the vessel was compelled to make an abrupt and unanticipated halt in the vicinity of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, owing to the presence of a smoldering fire that had taken hold in the ship's hold. Harwell and his brother, driven by a sense of brotherly love and a desire to save the life of their trapped First Mate, joined forces to attempt to rescue their colleague from the perilous situation. Regrettably, their endeavors ultimately proved to be unsuccessful, and they were left stranded in the Indian subcontinent, bereft of the necessary documents and papers to facilitate their safe passage. Furthermore, their predicament became even more precarious and precarious when the United States Embassy failed to provide the requisite assistance, leaving Harwell and his brother to fend for themselves in a foreign land, beset by uncertainty and adversity.
At this pivotal moment, a benevolent British operative, who concurrently served as a representative for the Swedish vessel from which the siblings had just disembarked, intervened in a manner that would set the stage for Harwell's enduring inclination to embark upon unconventional paths and take the road less traveled, thereby laying the foundation for a lifetime of unexpected detours and unorthodox decisions.
Following his thrilling escapades, Harwell embarked on a new journey, finding himself stationed in Korea, where he played a vital role in a combat medical group, a circumstance eerily evocative of the iconic television series MASH. After his military tenure, he leveraged the GI Bill to pursue higher education, ultimately graduating with honors in Cum Laude from the esteemed University of Arkansas.
The remarkable life of Harwell, a free-spirited individual who embarked on a wide-ranging journey of professional pursuits, defying conventional norms and embracing a multifaceted approach to his career.
Commercial fishing, a grueling yet exhilarating endeavor, marked the beginning of Harwell's foray into the world of work, as he navigated the unforgiving seas, honing his skills and building a sense of resilience.
Following his stint on the water, Harwell transitioned to the world of interior design, where he brought his unique perspective to the craft of hanging draperies, expertly transforming spaces with his keen eye for detail and artistic flair.
The thrill of the open road beckoned next, as Harwell traded in his hammer for a taxi driver's license, transporting passengers through the city's bustling streets, while cultivating a deep understanding of human nature and the intricacies of urban life.
Undeterred by the challenges of his previous experiences, Harwell continued to push boundaries, accepting a position at a skid row blood bank, where he worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of those in need, his compassion and empathy inspiring those around him.
Finally, Harwell's passion for education led him to teach elementary school in a Miami ghetto, where he brought his infectious energy and unwavering dedication to the classroom, fostering a love of learning and a sense of community among his young students.
Throughout his life, Harwell remained true to his free-spirited nature, embracing each new challenge with an open heart and mind, leaving a lasting impact on all those who knew him.
Harwell's professional journey commenced in the early 1980s with a foray into print modeling, subsequently transitioning to television commercials and securing small roles in television and film.
