Tom was born in Lexington, North Carolina to Hayes Henry and Effie Poston Harvey on November 7, 1942. He was the eighth child of ten children, a large and loving family. Having many older siblings was a great support for Tom, who was small and suffered from asthma as a child. The family's closeness has continued to remain steadfast, with many special get togethers and abundant supply of hugs. At an early age he took on a weekend job of helping on a bread delivery truck. His pay at the end of the day was minimal, but with benefits. He could have all the "pies" he wanted. Thus he earned the nickname "pieboy". After graduating from Lexington Senior High School in 1961 he married and became a father. He briefly attended Catawba College with dreams of pursuing a career in Pharmacy. His duty to his family was more important and began work in plumbing before moving into many years of work in Lexington Style barbecue. He worked and managed restaurants in Thomasville, Lexington and one in Stanton, VA for the Statler Brothers. Blessed with good wit, charm and the ability to read people, Tom moved to Hilton Head Island where he managed a 5 star restaurant. Although it was a great opportunity, the family responsibility called him home again and he moved to Elkin opening a photography studio while his children attended school. His great eye for capturing a special moment in time led him to many years of various photography opportunities working with Ingram Studios in Lexington, then became fondly known locally as the baby photographer for Brendles Stores, and spent many days and nights shooting school photography in North Carolina and Virginia with Holyfield Studios. Of course his legacy continues through the family photos he took to save the memories of his own family events. Soon after, a new chapter in his life opened and he married again. As their love grew so did their family. He made joyful memories while on trips, holidays and just being together whenever possible. He transitioned into appliance sales later on for Elmores in Elkin and still continued some photography on weekends in the store. His people skills and true honesty helped him to excel as a salesman. He continued with sales at Jim Weavil's in Winston Salem and White's Sales in Statesville for 23 years until he retired. Over the years the words "just breathe" became more and more prevalent as Tom battled COPD. He accepted his disease with grace and dignity. Through it all his Christian faith remained steadfast as well as his positive attitude. Tom never failed to share a kind word or thank you for those who cared for him. Despite these obstacles, Tom continued to persevere. He made several more accomplishments including attaining his Realtors license, studying and using conversational sign language, and volunteering over 1000 hours at HCMH. Tom's favorite activities were remodeling his home with his wife, playing a round of golf, reading his daily bible lessons, saying the words to an old hymn, and watching a good game of golf or football. He enjoyed special times spent in the mountains camping and mastering the grill. As his health continued to decline he relished the brief moments outside in the sun, admiring the beauty God provided and the soothing sounds of nature. The celebration of Tom's legacy will continue with those who have gone before him and with those who remain. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jimmy Harvey, sisters Betty Rose Griffin, Elizabeth Phillips, Hazeline Davis and Linda Leonard. He is survived by his wife Sharon Carpenter Harvey of 36 years, daughters Amanda H Doub (Michael) Lewisville, Shari M. Harvey Winston-Salem, Margaret Hope Harvey Linville, and son Thomas Poston Harvey, Jr. (Cynthia) of Greenville, NC. Grandchildren Gavin R. Doub, Caden M. Doub, Emily H. Harvey, and Christopher R. Harvey. Sisters Carol MacDonald, Alice Snider (Robert), Mary Sue Forrest, Vicki Bemisderfer (Bill) and his special buddy Lily. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 10 at First United Methodist Church, 340 Hawthorne Road, Elkin, where he and Sharon are both members. The family is grateful to our many friends and neighbors, Care Teams from HCMH, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Pulmonary and Palliative Care Units, Salem Chest Specialists, Dr. Stinson and Dr. Kindell for all their kind attention, love and care for Tom and his family. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you continue Tom's love of giving to his favorite charities the Salvation Army, PO Box 150, Mount Airy, NC 27030-0150, Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, PO Box 20424, Winston-Salem, NC 27120, FUMC Building Fund, PO Box 69, Elkin, NC 28621 or the donors' choice.
