of Searcy, AR

April 16, 1930 - January 26, 2025

Harry Doyle Olree of Searcy, AR went to be with the Lord on January 26, 2025 at the age of 94. He was a loving husband and father and a devoted follower of Christ, serving as an elder of the College Church of Christ for 40 years.

He was born to Harry Larkin and Gladys (Smith) Olree on April 16, 1930 in Braggadocio, MO. He graduated from Harding University in 1953 and returned as a faculty member after having served in the Army where he was stationed in Korea. He received his doctorate in education from George Peabody College in Nashville, TN. In his 39 years at Harding, he served as a teacher, coach, chairman of the physical education department and as athletic director. He was also Harding's director of research and conducted NASA-sponsored experiments related to the maintenance of astronauts' physical fitness while in space flight.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Charlotte Joy (Edwards) Olree, whom he married on June 3, 1957 in Hayti, MO; his parents and two brothers, Charles Olree and Joe Olree. He is survived by six children, Donna Bruce, Debra McSpadden, Kenneth Olree, Brock Olree (all of Searcy, AR), Keith Olree (Madison, AL) and Karla Dalyrmple (Jacksonville, FL); fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and one brother, Glenn Olree (Searcy, AR).

There will be a private family burial at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the College Church of Christ building on January 31st from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the mission efforts of the College Church of Christ in Searcy, AR, where Harry was a member for over 60 years.

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