He was born May 18, 1945, in Wildwood, FL. After living in Webster and Winter Garden, his family moved to Orlando. He attended Lakeview and Ocoee High School where he was a star football player and an award winning FFA member. A proud Orlando native, Harvey grew up working and playing in orange groves, building hog pens, loving his mama’s cooking, and driving fast cars.
He started his career in the early 1970s working on air conditioning systems and later became a partner at South Seminole Sheet Metal. His notable projects included The Magic Kingdom at Disney World, Epcot, the Kennedy Space Center, Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, and Universal Studios. Near and dear to him, Harvey also worked on University High School where later all three of his children graduated from. His later career as a home insurance adjuster married two of his loves: putting his sharp construction knowledge to use and finding new people to chew the fat with. Harv could talk your ear off. When he started talking, look for a chair.
Harvey brought a ceaseless work ethic to everything he did. And he knew how to do everything. Before Google, there was Harv. Anyone who has spent time with Harvey knows about two things: (1) how the air conditioning is installed wherever you are and how it can be improved, and (2) if something needs two of anything, whether it is nails, ropes, chains, etc., three would be better. Four would be best. So use five.
Many of his favorite memories took place hunting and fishing. He loved driving his swamp buggy and hiding in turkey blinds. Mostly though, he loved spending time with his boys and friends. When he wasn’t hunting or working on a house project, Harv enjoyed watching Gunsmoke reruns and reading Louis L’Amour. There are few things he adored more than basset hounds. His brother Steve used to say that he wanted to be reincarnated as one of Harv’s dogs because of how well he treated them. And Harvey practically counted down the days until radio stations started playing nonstop Christmas music. This big, tough hunter was a softy through and through.
Above all, Harvey was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed driving through small towns with Brenda and never once complained when she’d ask him to stop so she could browse in a shop. In her final years, he dedicated his time to taking care of her and always put his needs and wants second to hers. He worked tirelessly to provide a beautiful home for his family, of whom he was very proud. He instilled in his kids and grandson the value of working hard, of always telling the truth, and giving to others in need. He spent endless summers taking his kids tubing and kneeboarding on their lake and cherished the many hours he and his grandson Jake spent fishing -- and talking about fishing -- together.
He leaves behind his three children, Scott (April), Amy, and Matt; his grandson, Jake; and his beloved basset hound, Betsy. He is also survived by his three sisters, Voncille Catrett, Crystal Perkins, and Joyce Register, his brother Gene Murphy (Faye), and many nephews, nieces and friends. Harvey is preceded in death by his wife Brenda (Owens) Murphy and his brothers David, Stanley, and Steve Murphy.
A visitation for Harvey will be held Friday, May 10, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A funeral service will occur Friday, May 10, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A committal service will occur Friday, May 10, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.
A reception will be held at the home of Dutch and Cece Owens after the service.
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