A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 2, at 1 p.m. at the Thomaston First United Methodist Church, with visitation in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 12 p.m. Rev. Andy Cunningham and Rev. Charles Bennett will officiate, and burial will follow at South View Cemetery.
Harvel was born May 9, 1927, in Meriwether County to the late Lunette Sibley Estes and Horace Wesley Estes. A graduate of West Georgia College in Carrollton, Georgia, Harvel worked for the Coca Cola Company in Newnan, GA upon graduation. Later, he joined the Georgia State Patrol, where he enjoyed a distinguished career for over 34 years before retiring as a Captain. During his time as a State Trooper, he also served as a Military Police Officer (MP) for the United States Army at Fort Jackson, SC.
A longtime member of Thomaston First United Methodist Church and a leader in the community, Harvel enjoyed contributing his time and talents to a host of service-driven organizations. He was an active member of the Thomaston Kiwanis Club, the city’s premier civic organization, which helps local children in need through a variety of fundraisers, projects and acts of service. In his 69+ years as a Kiwanis member, Harvel served terms as both President and Vice President of the club. In addition to his passion for civic duty, Harvel loved farming and ranching and served as both President and Treasurer of the Upson County Farm Bureau Federation. He was also actively involved in the Georgia Cattlemen's Association. Harvel was also a member of the fraternal organizations, the Shriners International Sportsmans Club in Macon, GA and the Morning Star Masonic Lodge in Thomaston, GA.
After retiring at age 55, Harvel began raising cattle on his family’s farm, where he relished the hard work involved with tending herds, baling hay, and growing a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs in his ever-expanding garden. A true friend to man’s best friend, Harvel loved dogs and appreciated the company of many good ones over the years. He was also won over by a clever black cat named Jake, with whom he ‘shared’ many meals and leisurely afternoons in the sun room.
In 1950, Harvel moved to Thomaston, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Sue Gordy. The two married in 1952 and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on July 21st of this year. Throughout their time together, Harvel and Sue maintained a lifelong love of traveling and took many cruises and vacations to destinations throughout the United States and world, and often in the company of friends. However, they shared a special love for Daytona Beach, FL and would return there each year for much of their married life. In 1957, they welcomed a daughter, Rhonda, who quickly became their favorite traveling companion.
Harvel is survived by his wife, Sue; his daughter, Rhonda, and her husband, John; his granddaughter, Jennifer Moseley; his granddaughter, Ashley Migliaccio and her husband, Mike; his great-grandsons, Jonah Ryan and Eli Michael; and his brother- and sister-in-law, Ollie and Ann Vickers.
The family would like to thank Upson Regional Hospital, Riverside Nursing Home, Enhabit Home Health Care and Thomaston Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of Harvel. Additionally, the family wishes to thank the following home healthcare professionals: Norma Blackwell, Carrie Edwards, LaTasha Hollis, Janet Raines, Terlisha Raines, Earnest Smith, Teresa Washington and Whitney Woodard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Thomaston First United Methodist Church, Shriners Children’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.co
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