George Winel 'Windy' Harvard, 83, of Lakeland and former resident of Auburndale, passed away on Friday, August 24, 2018, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in North Lakeland after being there for only two days.
He was born on November 25, 1934, in Lake Wales, Florida and moved to Lakeland at a very young age where he received his education. Upon graduating from Kathleen High School in 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army for three years and was a Veteran of the Korean War. After his tour of duty in Germany, he returned to Lakeland, fell in love and married his soulmate of 61 years, Gloria Palmer, whom he had known since elementary school.
During the 60s he attended Florida Southern College at night while working two jobs. His perseverance landed him employment with Mulberry Construction and Welding where he became a superintendent and erected several draglines during his tenure. During the early 80s, he worked at Bone Valley Iron Works before purchasing a franchise for Cottman Transmission on Memorial Boulevard. In 1991, he disenfranchised himself from Cottman and opened AAA Continental Transmission in Auburndale which he operated with his son until his retirement in 2005.
He enjoyed coaching the little leagues of football and baseball while his son was participating. In addition, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, football and will forever be remembered as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, a fair and honest businessman, a respected member of the community and most importantly, he loved the Lord.
George was a member of the American Legion Post #4 of Lakeland, the Masons Lodge #390 in Lake Alfred (and was a Mason for 45 years). He was also a member of the Scottish Rites, The Valley of Tampa.
George is preceded in death by his parents: George and Christine Harvard; two brothers: Buddy and Lanay Harvard and two sisters: June Fraser and Jacky Marker. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Gloria; his daughter Cheryl Harvard Brown of Winter Haven; his son Steve (Kelli) of Crystal River; two grandsons Jake Harvard of Lakeland and Tyler Harvard of Crystal River; sisters Laveta LaMontagne of Hickory, NC, and Barbara Cooprider of Lakeland; brother-in-law Richard Palmer of Fenton, MO; sister-in-law Gail Holmes of Auburndale and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 10-11am at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home. Services will follow at 11 a.m. at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Auburndale. Interment will immediately follow at Auburndale Memorial Park. Condolences to the family at
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