Our beloved father, brother, grandfather, mentor, and friend, Mr. Roosevelt Hervey Jr. passed away on March 20, 2023 at the age of 92 in the comfort of home.
He was born in Lula, Mississippi to Roosevelt Sr. and Annie B. Hervey. After graduating high school and knowing that he would be drafted, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for 26 years. While in the Air Force he was called to an active tour of duty to Da Nang AFB in Vietnam. Dad was proud of his service and was recognized for his work receiving the Air Force Commendation medal for Meritorious Service at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edward’s AFB, California. He received an honorable discharge September 8, 1974 and became a Civil Service manager of the auto hobby shop at Langley AFB for 24 years winning numerous awards.
Dad loved to fish, hunt, and play golf. In addition, he took pleasure in gardening and tinkering with cars. He enjoyed playing games including cards and had a serious poker face. He was known to tease and play practical jokes with all family members. Roosevelt loved spending time with family and he appreciated all the travel opportunities his time in the Air Force afforded. He and his wife, Violet were planning to retire in California, but found they really liked Virginia when stationed at Langley AFB and decided to retire in Newport News. Roosevelt was a sports enthusiast who thoroughly enjoyed his sons, Mike and Stephen’s numerous football games and wrestling matches in which they both excelled.
Roosevelt is survived by his beloved wife, Violet Hervey; his daughter, Donna Jones and her husband, Richard; his daughter, Dr. Regina Yitbarek and her husband, Ephraim; his son, Michael Hervey and daughter-in-law, Sarah Alexander; three grandchildren, Shawn Mitchell and wife, Melody (Mel), Rachel Lynn Hervey and Hannah Marie Hervey; one brother, Prentiss Hervey; two great grandchildren, Jyire Mitchell, Senoj (Nagi) Mitchell and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Hervey; brothers, Levon (Bobbie), Freddie (Pop), and Mervin; sisters, Gladys, Louise, Frances, Janice, and Maybelline.
The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at St. Jerome Catholic Church with a Funeral Mass starting at 10 a.m. by Rev. George Prado. A Reception will follow at the church.
Interment will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023 at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434-9307 with Full Military Honors.
