Harvey Lee Williams, Sr.
Raised in the hills of Bentonia/Phoenix, MS by his grandmother, Irene Smith, Harvey Lee Williams, Sr. was the only
child born, on or around April 3, 1933, to Lethaniel Smith and Theodore Williams. The greatest man, Harvey Lee,
Sr., built the Williams family off of 2 dogs and a stick, loved hunting and fishing; but most of all he loved taking
care of his family. Wise and still imparting knowledge, our family patriarch departed the earthly vessel on Friday,
November 6, 2020.
"Dudda" or "Shorty" as he was known by family members and friends, Harvey Sr. didn't have much schooling. At
an early age, he accepted Christ at Springfield M.B. Church in Satartia, MS. He spent many days in the woods
hunting and killing rabbits, squirrels and deer with his 2 dogs, Turk & Fann, and his stick.
After meeting this beautiful yellow girl on Dump Lake, Harvey, Sr. began courting her and helping to take care of
her and her siblings. In 1955, he married her, the love of his life, the late, great Nellie Mae Barnes Williams. To
this union, 4 children were born; Harvey, Jr, Debra, Joyce, and Henry, who preceded him in death.
Blessed with wisdom and knowledge to raise his family, Harvey, Sr. worked for Hart's Farms for over 40 years,
retiring in 1995. Truly a jack of all trades, as there was nothing he couldn't do or invent. He invented several
farming innovations to make his work easier. He rigged a mule planter to be pulled by a tractor using three plows
to make 2 rows to plant cotton and corn. Harvey, Sr. also invented a way to stop the cotton picker from clogging
up by putting a flap inside the back door to separate the trash. These ideas were taken and incorporated without
given him his due credit.
Harvey, Sr. was loved so much by his family and he took pride in taking care of and loving his family. He loved to
hunt and fish and imparted that same love in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had an
animal nickname for each of his grandchildren. He loved to keep us laughing with his quick wit, while always
leaving us with thoughtful pockets of wisdom.
The wise man and builder of the Williams family, Harvey, Sr., will forever be missed. His memories will be forever
cherished by his children, Harvey Jr. (Linda) Williams, Debra (Ed) Smith, and Joyce (Henry) Campbell; his
grandchildren, Kaneilia, Chris (Vonda), Zahra, Chelsea, Janella (CJ), Samuel, Gabriel, Gabriella, Ly'Nell, Schcora,
Zarrius, Jocelyn, Jalena, Nyla and Kamden; his great grandchildren, Kyndal, Kadence, Kabrien, Aaiyden, Chase, Ace,
McKentlee, Ayden, Kayden, Evan and Rylan; his nieces and nephews; hand a host of other relatives and friends