Jerome Ernest Harvey

Dr. Jerome Ernest Harvey, Jr, 84, of Cordele, GA entered into Heaven, Monday, July 13, 2020 at Crisp Regional Hospital, following a brief illness. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday September 19th in the Abbeville United Methodist Church.Reverend Billy Kimbrel and Reverend Debbie Cone will officiate. The son of the late Jerome, Sr and Estelle (Sutton) Harvey, he was born in Wilcox County on September 15, 1935. He graduated Abbeville High School and attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in agronomy at The University of Georgia. Dr. Harvey also served in the United States Army and the Georgia National Guard. His career was highlighted by being recognized as a preeminent authority of peanut seed research. He served as the Director of Seed Research for Goldkist, Inc. and Agratech Seeds. He was a member of the American Society of Agronomy, American Genetics Society, American Peanut Research and Education Association, Georgia Soybean Association, and served as the Director of the Georgia Crop Improvement Association. He also worked with The University of Georgia and Auburn University in seed research and plant genetics.He was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors. Dr. Harvey is survived by his wife of seven years, Ruth Smith Harvey of Cordele, his two sons, Jerome Ernest (Jay)Harvey,III and Charles William (Bill) Harvey of Ashburn, GA.One granddaughter, Brittney (William) Enfinger of Atlanta, GA, two sisters, Carolyn Wilcox of Abbeville, GA and Evelyn Wilcox of Pitts, GA. Special nieces and nephews including Debbie (Jim) Toole, Eddie (Diane) Wilcox, Mark (Lisa) Wilcox, and Dean (Mystee) Wilcox. He is also survived by a step-son, Edd (Dee) Cunningham and three step-grandchildren. And several special cousins and great-nephews and nieces. He was a faithful member of Abbeville United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to Liberty Hill United Methodist Church, Abbeville United Methodist Church, the Methodist Children’s Home, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Frazier & Son Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online registry at www.fraziersonfuneralhome.com Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family ask that everyone please wear a mask for the service and observe social distancing.