Harvey Lee Rouse

Having lived his eighty-two years in the truth of John 3:16, Harvey Lee Rouse whole-heartedly believed that “God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” such that, as the sun rose on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, Harvey Rouse accepted his invitation to a Heavenly reception with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Welcomed into this world on April 4, 1941, Harvey was one of ten children born to John Wesley “Jack” and Nellie Linton Rouse. He was the last survivor of all his siblings: Wesley “Buddy” Rouse, Thomas Earl Rouse, John Stanley Rouse, Roy Sterling Rouse, Jimmy Ray Rouse, Louise Finch, Elsie Philyaw, Roxie White, and Bobbie Sandborn.

Harvey filled his robust life, hand in hand, with his best friend, business partner, high school sweet-heart, and dedicated wife, Sally Ann Lee Rouse. Right out of high school, Harvey started farming and one year later, Sally joined him. His farming career spanned sixty-three years. Sixty-two of those years, he and Sally worked to build their dreams of faith, family, and farming with purpose and integrity. Harvey was quick to say “She’s a farmer, too. We farm together.”

He served as a deacon at Trenton Baptist Church since his early 20’s until his health declined in the past year. Though he often declined to read aloud, he was known for a confident voice of genuine and articulate prayer at a moment’s notice. Harvey carried a little Testament with him every day of his life. This standard of faith was evident in his daily living as his friends and community have said of him, “He made me a better man” and he was a good steward of his words, speaking kindly of every one.

His wife and children were gems of joy in his life. The family that he and Sally lovingly built surrounded Harvey in his final days, providing excellent care and companionship. Remaining to carry on his legacy are his wife, Sally Rouse; children: Harvey Rouse, Jr and wife Lori, Carla McLawhorn and husband Aaron, Jeremy Rouse and wife Jenny; grandchildren: Carmen Rouse, Justin McLawhorn (Amber), Zachary McLawhorn, Harvey “Lee” Rouse, III (Erica), Philip McLawhorn, Morgan Rouse (Blake Batchelor), Raegan Rouse (Carlie Rolison), and Cassidy Rouse; great grandchildren: Layn and Allee McLawhorn, Landon and Sophia McLawhorn, Emma and Olivia Rouse and his mother-in-law, Sallie Lee Jenkins.

The family is grateful those whom have shared in his joy, health, and care over the years and particularly in his illness. They are certain he knew immediate joy and reward when he closed his eyes here to meet his loving savior and embrace his precious great grandson, Jaxon Elliot McLawhorn in the promised land of eternity.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Harvey's honor to Trenton Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 369 Trenton, NC 28585.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Thursday June 15, 2023 at Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service. Burial to follow in Trenton Cemetery.

You may address condolences to the family by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com. Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Rouse family.