Wendell Morris Harvey

Wendell Morris Harvey, 70, of Macon, went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2014 following a courageous battle with cancer. "Chief" Wendell M. Harvey was born July 3, 1943 in Dublin, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer and Eunice (Darity) Harvey and his brother, James Harvey. Chief Harvey graduated from Willingham High School in Macon in 1961. He joined the Macon Fire Department on November 1, 1961 and quickly rose thru the ranks. In 1973, at the age of 29, he earned the rank of District Fire Chief. He retired on August 1, 1998 after serving 37 years. In his later years while working for the Bibb County Fire Department, he also worked as a part time bailiff for the Bibb County Sherriff's Office. Following his retirement, he worked as a full time administrative assistant for Bibb County Sherriff's Office at the Bibb County Courthouse. He not only took pride in his work but truly treasured the friendships he made during his time of service to the City of Macon. Chief Harvey had a passion for music. He was an avid lead guitar player and performed in concert with Jerry Lee Lewis at the Macon City Auditorium. He was also a member of the Macon Fire Department Wildfire Band. He enjoyed traveling to Daytona Beach, Florida and was an ardent Atlanta Braves and Jeff Gordon fan. Chief Harvey was a member of New Heights Baptist Church. Chief Harvey is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Beth (Newman) Harvey; Children, Leigh (Mike) Murphy of Macon, Lisa (CJ) Lashley of Warner Robins, John (Lisa) Harvey of Warner Robins, Laurie Harvey of Macon; Grandchildren; Ron Smith and fiancee' Jennifer Powell-Johnson of Macon, Ashley (Ryan) Lohmueller of Vail, AZ, Lindsey Murphy of Macon, Blayne (Megan) Laures of Warrenton, VA, Keeley Laures of Richmond, VA, Dylan Laures of Warrenton, VA, John Harvey of Macon, Molly and Maggie McCoy of Macon, Brandon and Bradley Parrish of Warner Robins, Dylan Lashley of Warner Robins; Great grandchildren, Riley and Maci Lohmueller; sister June (Tommy) Parker of Macon; nieces Susan Parker of Asheville, NC, Kim (Kevin) Raymond of Merritt Island,FL and Stephanie Parker of Atlanta; and two great-nieces, Holly and Kate Raymond. The Funeral service will be at 11:00AM Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at the chapel of Hart's Mortuary, Cherry Street with the Reverend Steve Johnson officiating. Burial will be at Macon Memorial Park. The family will greet friends Tuesday from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the funeral home. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Price, Dr. Frederick Burton, Evercare Hospice, nurses David Powell and Lisa Broadus for their care and devotion to Chief Harvey. Donations may be made to Evercare Hospice. Register online at www.hartsmort.com . Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.