Harvey Clifford Briley

Harvey Clifford Briley, 84, was born May 14, 1936 in Chireno, Texas, Nacogdoches County. He went home to be with his lord and savior Jesus Christ on the morning of February 15, 2021, after a valiant 12 year battle with cancer. Harvey was the 4th of 8 children, born to Everett and Bertha Sullivan Briley. He loved his big family and cherished fond memories of growing up in Chireno. He was a very active student at Chireno High School being named Mr. Chireno 1954 at graduation. He was a devoted son, helping his parents provide for his younger siblings by working odd jobs. He even drove the school bus while in high school. He worked at the family business, the Briley Brothers Planing Mill, as well as local business Nibco. He later followed his siblings and job opportunities to Houston, where he drove for Coca-Cola before finally joining the Houston Police Department in 1959.

In 1960, Harvey met the love of his life, Betty Joyce Bailey, who was a secretary at the police department. Harvey and Joyce were married on April 6, 1963 at Pineview Chapel where they remained faithful members. They would have celebrated their 58th anniversary in April. He loved Joyce dearly. He always remembered their anniversary with flowers and gave Joyce her favorite 'See's Candy’ every Valentine's Day. Harvey and Joyce had three wonderful children, Alan, Michael and Jena and 3 precious grandchildren, Jaeden, Caleb and Kira.

Harvey was a devoted husband and father, dutifully providing for his family by often working three jobs without complaint. After 25 years of service, Harvey retired from the police department at the rank of lieutenant. He then started his own private investigation, security and insurance adjusting business before retiring a second time. Harvey was a very loving, affectionate, active and engaged father. He instilled the importance of God, education and hard work in his children. He truly enjoyed spending time with his family. He planned wonderful family trips, including camping in the Piney Woods of East Texas and riding the river in New Braunfels. He coached little league and was one of his kid's biggest fans and cheerleaders. His children knew they could count on him to offer encouraging words, lift their spirits and instill confidence in times of hardship. Harvey’s undeniable favorite role was "Paw Paw". He loved his grandchildren immensely and spoiled them just as much. You could never convince him that candy or sugary cereal was bad for the grandkids or made them hyper. He made sure he had candy on hand every time he saw the kids to their delight. He enjoyed playing, cooking for and napping with the grandkids. He doted on and loved his “babies” so much and they loved and adored him. He also loved his grand-dogs and spoiled them too, always having dog treats with him when he visited. He loved his very own Bella who was his devoted companion the last two years of his life.

Harvey was the family patriarch, strong, determined and reliable. He was the go-to-guy when someone needed help or advice. Without fail, he was willing to lend a helping hand from jumping a dead car battery, fixing a flat tire, checking out suspicious noises or characters, lending money to someone in need or helping his children move residences many, many times. If someone was in trouble, whether it was family, a neighbor, at church or wherever, he would be there to help in whatever way he could. His compassion and generosity were endless as was his devotion to God. He prayed faithfully, whether alone, as the head of the table or family event. His trust in God's plan was unwavering. There's no doubt that his faith guided him through the most difficult days of his life. He loved the fellowship he received at Pineview Chapel throughout his 58 years as a member. He taught his children and grandchildren to love and nurture their relationship with God and their church family. He was so thankful for the prayers and support from Pineview over the years.

Another great love of Harvey's was baseball. During baseball season you could be sure that he was watching his beloved Astros at home, in person or listening on the radio. He saw the first Colt 45's game with his father-in-law on April 10, 1962 at Colt Stadium, the first AND last Astros game in the Astrodome and the first Astros game at Enron/Minutemaid Park. He and Joyce enjoyed season tickets in the Crawford Boxes for many years. Their friends and family knew just where they sat and would always stop by and visit before or during the games. He was overjoyed to watch the Astros in two World Series appearances. He was even at the famous game 5 in 2017 afterwards telling his daughter that it was the best game he’d ever seen and he had seen many. Baseball brought him much joy and respite throughout his life.

Harvey's quiet strength, grace, optimism and kindness, naturally brought those who knew him to love him and they will miss him dearly.

Harvey is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Bertha Briley and six siblings. Left to cherish his loving memory is his wife of 57 years, Betty Joyce Briley, son Alan Briley and partner Nicael Dais, son Michael Briley, daughter Jena Briley and spouse Erin Holmes, grandchildren Jaeden, Caleb and Kira Briley; sister Illsa Briley Spradlin and brother E. B. Briley as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 2:30 PM in the Grand Room at Brookside followed by burial at Brookside Memorial Park. Following the burial a reception is scheduled at Pineview Chapel, 742 E Hardy Rd, Houston, Texas 78433.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Harvey 's memory may be made to Sandy Creek Bible Camp, 5051 Prayer Ln, Washington, Washington, Texas 77880 US, https://www.sandycreek.org/donations/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Briley family.