Dr Rev Harvey Lee Barnes Sr passed away on Friday, April 27, 2012 at his home in Elizabeth City, NC. Harvey was a 1960 graduate of East Suffolk High.

Article 1 Volume II

Funeral services for Rev Dr Harvey Lee Barnes was held on May 2, 2012 ar St Galilee Church of Christ in Elizabeth City, NC.  Rev Barnes leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Louvenia Figgs Barnes; daughter, Karen B. Geddie of Goldsboro, NC; son, Harvey Lee Barnes III of Charlotte, NC; two brothers John Barnes of Washington state an James Fenton of Georgia.

He was formerly married to Joyce Lamb of Suffolk, Virginia.

Harvey was a 1960 graduate of East Suffolk High in Suffolk, VA.

Harvey grew up in the Pleasant Hills community of Suffolk, VA.  He was known as "Peter Boy" to most people in the community. However, he told our yearbook staff that his nickname was "Love". So, that is what we printed in the yearbook.

We served in the military during the same period but in different outfits. We were in Europe in the sixties.

Harvey enjoyed sports. We spent a lot time playing sandlot sports in the fields of Pleasant Hill during our childhood days.

However, Harvey's true love, I believe, was singing gospel music. He could really sing.

I can vicariously, mixed with truth, say that he had a voice similar to Sam Cooke of the Soul Stirrers (well known gospel group that had some flair). Often,  when he was on  programs at  local churches, young people would come from miles around to hear him and his group sing.  Sometimes at the small and large churches, when he came out, certain young people would rush to the front rows. I can still visualize him singing such songs as "Were You There" and "If I could touch the hem of his garment." and see the young people enjoying the singing.

I believe singing was one of his calling.

Harvey was also a very respectible person. He stayed out of trouble, and I can't remember him ever being in any fights. Believe me, that was hard to do growing up in Pleasant Hill.

His father was a preacher. I spent a lot of time at "Peter Boy" home talking with his father and family members when I was on my weekly newspaper route.  His family background includes ministers and singers. He came from a very nice family.  They resided in the 300 block of Hunter St.