Last week was a sad one in terms of the loss of three men who have been a part of the Hartselle community for many, many years. All three were businessmen, who had made a great contribution to our city. It is unusual for three who were widely recognized and known to pass in such a short period of time.

Buzzy Harvel passed away Wed., May 25. He was only 59 years old. He had been a jeweler in Hartselle for many years and ran Buzzy’s Jewelry for a number of years in the same location on Hwy. 31 South.

His death was unexpected at such a young age, to his family, friends and his customers. He left behind two daughters and a granddaughter who was the light of his life. He loved being a grandpa, and would share stories with me about her when I was in the store. Buzzy loved his life, his family, his friends, and his customers as well.  He also loved the two dogs he referred to as his grand dogs. I would dare say most folks who had frequented his store with any regularity, considered Buzzy a friend, and he felt the same in return.

I remember Buzzy sharing a story with me, maybe last fall about an electrical problem he had in his home. Basically, if he had plugged something in an outlet he could have been electrocuted. We talked at that time about how quickly life can be over and how each one should make the most of the time we have. That conversation came back to me after hearing of Buzzy’s passing. I think he lived his life with that passion.

Dwight Griffin passed away Thur., May 26, after an illness. He leaves behind two sons and three grandchildren. Griffin was a banker by trade and worked at local banks including the former Citizens Bank, which later became Southtrust Bank. He also served as president of Community Bank in Hartselle and later worked as a consultant with Peoples Bank. . He was also active in the Rotary Club until recently.

Griffin was well respected and well liked in the banking community as well as all those he came in contact with during his life.

Tom Bennich passed away Fri., May 27. If you have lived in Hartselle or had contact with anyone in Hartselle, you most likely would have heard of Tom as well as his wife Edith. I met Tom Bennich over 40 years ago when Dewayne and I played little league together. I remember well my Dad doing business with him for many years and that he was honest, straightforward and always tried to do the right thing.

As an adult I think about how he was always trying to help anyone in need. He served on mission trips, disaster relief trips and anywhere he could serve. He believed in sharing the love of Christ through his actions. He was always willing to go where he was needed when someone or even a whole community was in trouble, and where he and others could lend a hand. I truly believe he was successful in business because he and Edith were always so willing to share what they had with others. His legacy of helping others leaves a lesson that many of us can learn from. Many also remember the pecan pies he baked and he and Edith shared each year at Christmas.

While none of us know when our time here will be over, we can learn from the example these three men shared. May each of their families feel the peace and comfort that God provides during the coming days ahead.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.