Allen Walton Harvey

 

Allen Walton Harvey, 87, died peacefully in his home at Ivy Hill, Forest, VA, on June 20, 2012, following a long battle with prostate cancer. Allen was born September 9, 1924, in Lynchburg. He was the son of the late Willie C. and Thelma S. Harvey. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Fern Williams Harvey, daughters Pam M. Brown (Don), Debra H. McCabe (Alex Mason), Bobbie H. Butler (John) and granddaughter, Katie B. Warrington (Scott), and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Harvey. In addition to his parents, Allen was preceded in death by his brother, Claiborne Harvey.

 

Following graduation from E.C. Glass High School in 1942, Allen registered for the U.S. Army during World War II. Allen served in the US Army Air Corps and was qualified in B-24 and B-29 Bomber Aircraft. After the War, Woody Edmonson, a native of Lynchburg, hired Allen as an Instructor and later a Director of Flight Training for the Civilian Flight Training Program in Bartow, Florida.

 

Allen will long be remembered for his entrepreneurial visions. In 1953, he returned to Lynchburg to establish Harvey\"™s Motel, a Lynchburg fixture for decades. Later, Allen purchased Ivy Hill Farm and developed a prime residential golf community, Ivy Hill in Forest, VA.

 

Allen was an enthusiastic entertainer, hosting celebrities such as Bob Hope, Paul Harvey, and numerous soap opera stars.

 

Until his death, Allen was an avid aviator, owned his own airplane, a Super Cub, and was a member of numerous aviation associations and societies including AOPA, EAA, and a member of Quiet Birdmen Roanoke Hanger.

 

On learning of his prostate cancer, Allen brought the \"Man To Man\" Organization to Lynchburg. This organization was responsible for hundreds of prostate cancer screenings and was a support for many. Allen was an active civic leader. He was a member of The Lynchburg Exchange Club, served as a Director before becoming Chairman of The Board of Cooperative Savings and Loan Bank, and was a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in the Kazim Temple in Roanoke, VA. Allen was a 32nd Degree Mason and received his 55 year certificate from the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida as well as the 25 year certificate from the American Cancer Society Quality of Life Award for Virginia.

 

Special thanks to Gentle Shepherd Hospice of Lynchburg and the caregivers who are so special to all of us and who became a part of the family in such a short amount of time.

 

A graveside service will be conducted Saturday, June 23, 2012, 11:00 A.M. at Fort Hill Memorial Park with the Rev. Charlie Benton officiating. Military honors will be performed by American Legion Post 16.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Forest Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 140, Forest, VA 24551, the Goode Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 178 Goode, VA 24556, or Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 22667 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

 

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family (434) 237-9424.