Harvey Lee Murray, Sr.

Deacon (Emeritus) Harvey Lee Murray, Sr., 93, of McCormick, SC entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 4, 2020.  He was born in Lincolnton, Georgia, the eldest child of Curry Murray, Sr. and Mattie Arlene Callaham Murray DuBose.

Harvey Lee was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 29 years, Mary Adams Murray and wife of 43 years, Ruth Eberhardt Murray.  Also, sisters, Mattie Barnes, Estella Brown and brother, Curry Murray; and four sons, Harvey Murray, Jr., Curry Murray, Gregory Crosby and Rev. Keith New.

After returning from service in the US Army, Harvey Lee made McCormick, SC his home.  He was a member of Holy Spring Baptist Church for over 70 years, serving many of those years as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry.  He was an active member of the Savannah Valley Goodwill Association, The BME Congress, and Union #1. In addition, Harvey Lee was an active member of Bethany Lodge 414 and The Sons of Aide.

After working for others for years, Harvey Lee had the ambition and drive to open his own business.  For many years, he owned and operated Murray’s Amoco Service Station and later Murray’s Garage, Inc. He  served as a mentor and provided opportunities to many young men in the area.

As a community activist and leader, Harvey Lee always wanted more for the citizens of McCormick County.  He was elected to the McCormick County School Board, becoming its first black member, and was later appointed as Chairman where he served for many years.  Harvey Lee was a member of the McCormick County Housing Authority and also an active member of the SC Democratic Party where he encouraged many to exercise their right to vote.  

Harvey Lee is survived by daughters, Dr. Linda (Billy) Tucker of McCormick, SC and Theresa Childs of Greenwood, SC; sons, Ricky (Stephanie) Crosby of Aldie, VA and Jerome Perrin of McCormick, SC.  daughter-in-laws, Rev. Carolyn Murray of Calhoun Falls, SC and Janice Crosby of Columbia, SC; 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; and other loving relatives and friends.

Sacred arrangements have been entrusted to SERENITY-MURRAY MORTUARY. 

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