John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Above all, he was a man of deep Christian faith whose love for the Lord guided the way he lived, served, and cared for others. Known for his compassion and generosity, John had a remarkable ability to recognize a need and meet it, often quietly and without seeking recognition. Family was at the center of his life, and he will be remembered for his steadfast love, strength, and servant's heart.
John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before beginning a distinguished 35-year career as an engineer with Alabama Power.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Julianne Crawford Harvill, who passed away in 2003, and by his parents, John P. Harvill, Sr. and Frances Lucile Harvill.
He is survived by his wife, Ida Laynea Harvill; his brother, Monte Edward Harvill (Beth); Daughter, Dr. Nicole Harvill Brooks (Ted) and their children: Sarah Ann Lucille Brooks (Elias VanEmmerick), Annjulie Nicole Brooks, and William John Brooks. Daughter, Tiffany Harvill Vice (Johnny) and their children: Ian Charleston Vice and Chance Vice. Daughter Stacey Farni (Court) and their children: Courtney Farni Bethune (Grey), Dawson Farni, Caylee Farni, Cara Farni, Christian Farni, Cate Farni. Daughter Janet Owens (Phillip) and their children: MaKayla Owens, Mason Owens, Matthew Owens (Ami) and their child: Ruthie Kay Owens
A man of deep and abiding faith, John faithfully served Redemption Church for many years as a deacon and was honored as Deacon Emeritus. He held several leadership roles, including Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committees, chaired the Pulpit Search Committee that called Pastor Ed Litton, and served on the Building Committee during the construction of the current Worship Center.
John and Laynea shared a passion for serving others. Having each experienced the loss of a spouse, they devoted themselves to ministering to those facing grief through GriefShare, offering comfort, understanding, and hope rooted in Christ. Together, they also supported missions and ministries around the world, investing generously in people and in the work of the Gospel.
John's legacy is reflected not only in his family, career, and years of service, but in the countless lives he influenced through his faith, kindness, leadership, and generosity. His was a life lived in faithful service to God and others, and the full reach of his impact may never be known this side of heaven. John will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, church family, and all who were blessed to know him.
Visitation will be held at Redemption Church, Saraland, Alabama on Saturday, September 5, 2026 beginning at 11:00 am until service time of 1:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
