John Lee Harvey Sr.

John Lee Harvey, Senior, was born on July 9, 1935, in Desoto, GA. John was born to the late Johnny and Ella Darsaw. In May of 1960, he married the love of his life former Verlena Devane in Jersey City, New Jersey. John leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Verlena; sons, Johnny Jr. and Gerald; six grandchildren: Gerald Jr., Jeron, Nicole, Eric, Mia, and Aakeem; six great-grandchildren. His siblings; Joanne, Henry, Lillie, Donald, Rashaud, and Patricia. Sister-in-laws, Yvonne and Magdalene along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. John has reunited with siblings that transitioned prior, Andrew, Thelma and Elaine. John attended elementary school in Vallejo, CA, high school in Cincinnati, OH, and college in New Jersey where he graduated from Rutgers. He joined the US Air Force in March 1954 and was honorably discharged in October 1957. As an air-borne radio operator, traveled extensively throughout Europe and North Africa. John was able to live throughout the United States including Georgia, Florida, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. John held several supervisory and managerial positions at General Services Administration in Washington, D.C. before he retired in 1994 after 37 years of Federal government service.

John hand many fraternal affiliations which included: * Past Master, Mt. Lebanon Lodge #22, Prince Hall Masons * Sublime Prince, Hiram Consistory #2 * Past Oriental Guide Jerusalem Temple #4 * Grand Inspector General, United Supreme Council * Member, William A. Jones Commanders of the Rite * Member Monumental Lodge #3 -Elks * Member of Federal Post #19 of the American Legion

During that time, he received many awards and certificates for his outstanding service. John was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church on Guilford Road in Columbia, MD. He was a devoted father, son grandfather, brother and brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling and loved his sports on any day of the week. John was called to eternal rest on August 9, 2022. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A visitation for John will be held Wednesday, August 17, 2022 from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9pm at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045. A graveside service will occur Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 2:30 PM at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.witzkefuneralhomes.com for the Harvey family.