January 10, 1946 – December 6, 2020
Heaven’s gates opened wide Sunday morning, Dec. 6, 2020, allowing 74-year-old Henry Everett Ferrel to greet his Lord and Savior. Everett was a beloved member of the Mitchell community and will always be known for his cheerful greetings and praise for God.
God began working on Everett in 1987 and finally grabbed hold Aug. 2, 1987. Everett wasn’t shy about his salvation story. He shared it with all who crossed his path, hoping they, too, would find a new life through Jesus Christ because he knew his life was changed in that one very special moment.
Everett was born on Jan. 10, 1946, in Bedford to Goldia and Kenneth Ferrel. He had two brothers, William and Robert Ferrel. They all preceded him in death.
He met the love of his life, Christina Henderson, on March 17, 1976, and she became his bride March 22, 1979. They shared more than 40 years of love and laughter. They worked together, shared adventures together and served the Lord together.
Everett has three daughters: Tonja Shipman of Bedford, Bridget Barberich and her husband, Bruce, of Cocoa, Florida, and Michelle and Herb Asbury of Mitchell. He was a supportive and protective father of his three girls and made sure to text them every single morning, wishing them each a great day and providing a Bible verse. He was the kind of father who was always there for them whenever they needed him. He never missed the opportunity to tell them he loved them.
Everett’s pride and joy came in the form of grandchildren. He was the best Papaw to Alex Shipman, Ryan Barberich and his wife Tabitha, Justin Barberich, Joey Barberich, Juan Asbury and Angeleigh Asbury. He rarely missed a race, sporting event, dance competition or any other special event. He also became a great-grandfather when Bex Shipman was born two years ago.
He was preceded in death by a special grandson, Jacob Barberich.
Through the years, Everett worked at Crawford-Morris, RCA and Puralator, but decided being in business for himself was where he belonged. His longest-running endeavor was Furniture World, a business he and Chris have operated for nearly 40 years. He retired from Western-Southern Financial Group and served four terms on the Mitchell City Council.
Everett’s volunteer endeavors were numerous. He was a constant giver, always doing whatever he could to support the community. For 14 years, he and Chris served a free Thanksgiving dinner through their church, Mitchell Wesleyan. Chris and volunteers did the cooking, and he did everything else. His work in the community was never for attention, but to make Mitchell a better place to live.
He loved sports and never missed a Bluejacket game if his grandsons were playing, or a race if they were competing. He loved motorsports, mainly Sprint car racing.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Private funeral will be Thursday, December 10, with Pastors Stephen Jones, Wes Jones, and Teri Jones officiating. Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be at the Mitchell Wesleyan Church at a later date.
Memorial gifts can be made in Everett’s memory to Bertha’s Mission.
Chastain Funeral Home is in charge of his arrangements.
