Raymond Earl Harvell's Obituary
Raymond Earl Harvell, also known as Ray, Pearly, Squirrel, and Papa Ray, 89 years old, died Sunday, March 31, 2024 after a short illness in Memphis, TN. Raymond was born January 15, 1935 at home in Memphis, TN. His parents were Rebecca Viola McDonald and Everett Harvell. He was the youngest of five children. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Frances Miller and Ann Simmons, and brothers, Everett Harvell and Thomas Harvell.
Raymond was married to Barbara Jean Barber on June 11, 1954. They were married just shy of 70 years. Raymond graduated from Treadwell High School and went on to be a self-made man, working several jobs until he found his true calling as a salesman and small business owner. He never met a stranger and could sell the shirt off his back. He was an Air Force Ready Reservist and was proud of serving his country in this way. Raymond lived in Memphis his entire life and until recently, was eating lunch every week at The Cupboard with friends of over 50 years. He was an avid golfer and very active in the Memphis Alchymia Shrine Temple, serving as potentate in 1983.
He served on the Memphis Housing Authority and the Civil Service Board. Raymond was a communicant at St. Phillip Episcopal Church and served on the vestry and as a Lay Eucharistic Minister. He also volunteered for several years with the Procurement Team for Church Health. Raymond is survived by wife Jean Barber Harvell, daughter Patti Newsom Lewis (Jimmy) and son Raymond Elmo Harvell. He is survived by 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 4 nieces, and 5 nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Raymond Harvell at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 5 at St. Phillip Episcopal Church, 9380 Davies Plantation Rd., Memphis, TN 38133 with a Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Phillip Episcopal Church, Church Health or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
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