On Saturday, March 25, 2023, our family’s “Gentle Giant,” Roy B. Harvey, gained his eternal wings. He was born on March 15, 1953, the son of Rose H. & Charles E. Shields of Yorktown, Va.
At an early age, Roy joined Grafton Baptist Church. He later graduated from York High School, where he found his love for basketball. Standing at a towering 6′ 5″, Roy left his mark as one of the great basketball players of the Class of 71. He was known for his left-handed shot.
Roy Joined The United States Army in September 1977. After his discharge from the Army, Roy began working at the York Convalescent Rehabilitation Center Dietary Team, where he would retire as a Dietary Manager after twenty-three years.
Roy was a man of great strength. He loved his sports and making those in his presence laugh. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.
He leaves to cherish fond memories of his big but gentle demeanor, his daughter, Lisa Rucker (Sam); sister, Marion Palmer (Lieutenant); grandsons, Corey Brown (Jessica), Kai Brown, and Casee Jones; great-granddaughter, Reina Brown; nephew, Darrell Shields; two aunts, Thelma Griffin and Alice Wilkerson; his bonus daughters, Uta Johnson and Hieke Johnson; best friends, Tyree Ashby, Herman “Rudy” Stith, and Jerry Smith; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The Family would like to thank the York Convalescent Rehabilitation Center and Dietary Department for their outstanding professional care.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Grafton Baptist Church. Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment with military honors to follow in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Mr. Harvey may be viewed on Thursday beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of his service. Facial coverings are required for all services.
