Randy Harvey Sr. (Papa, Pops) peacefully passed away at age 65 at his home on January 2, 2022.

Randy was born on July 4th, 1956 in St. Louis, MO to Henrietta (Gibson) and Hoover S. Harvey Sr. Survived by his loving wife and friend for over 20 years, Elizabeth Ann Elliott-Harvey.

Randy Father, Son Randy Harvey Jr., 2 brothers Kem (Renee’) Hayes and Larry Gibson preceded him in death.

Randy was educated in St. Louis City and later joined the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War. He worked for the St. Louis City Board of Education for over 30 years as Custodian. Randy enjoyed Horticulture, bar-b-ques, playing cards, the Blues, and spending time with family and friends.

Randy leaves to cherish his memories of his mother, Henrietta Harvey, Son Quinn (Cassandra) Harvey, stepdaughter Cynthia (Cydik) Elliott, 6 grandchildren Dakota, Christian, Jordan, LaShondra, Lakayla, and Elijah. 3 Great Grand-Children Kaylei’, Chase, and Elias. 2 brothers Michael Harvey, Hoover (Christy) S. Harvey Jr. 4 sisters Valarie (Levi) Johnson, Patricia (Kenneth) Harvey-Morris, Felicia Harvey, Alicia (Dwayne) Harvey, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.      

Thank you for being there when I needed you.

I was a sensitive kid, maybe more sensitive than normal. Don’t get me wrong there were times you told me to suck it up and I needed that, but the times when you just hugged me and told me it was all going to be OK, I needed that, too. When I was sad, mad, happy, confused, or empty, somehow you always knew what to say and what to do. I don’t know how you did it. I couldn’t have grown up without you.

Thank you for teaching me how to be who I am.

I am who I am today in part because of you. I will always be who I am because of you. How lucky I am to have had someone like you to instill a lot of the values and morals I have. You taught me to be forgiving, most of the time. You taught me to be kind, no matter what others think of me. You taught me to be confident because that is intimidating to those who think less of me. You taught me to stick up for myself, even when I felt weak. You taught me that I am strong, although I do not always think I am. Thank you for not only giving me these qualities but helping parts of you become parts of me.

Thank you for being you.

The best part of you being my dad, is that you’re so much more than that. You’re a comedian with the best jokes. You’re a strong man with a strong personality. You’re somehow a jack of all trades and still remember the names of all my stuffed animals. You’re a five-star chef and you were the family hero. Most importantly, you were more than just a dad. You were the best father a son could have asked for.

I love you every day, I miss you every day, and I think about you every day. However, the thing I think about most, is how grateful I am to have had the experience of you as a father, as a dad, and as a friend.

I’ll see you when I see you.

Your Son

Oh-Dear-Pops!

I miss you! I still cannot believe that now I shall not find you in this mortal world.

For the past several months, I wanted to write to you a detailed letter. But I somehow could not do so. I never imagined that my thoughts and dreams would meet-such-a-tragic-end.

Pops, you were an ideal father to me. You did everything in your capacity to impart in me a good education, wonderful life, and good teachings. You were always there to guide me. Even though you led a simple life yourself, yet you always tried to give me what I aspired for and asked for. I really looked up to you when it came to choosing principles of life. You loved a life of commitment, family, and sacrifice and you showed me what it takes to be a great parent. I appreciate one of the biggest lessons you taught me and that was; being a good father does not always mean having and giving money but giving your love, your time, and creating memories that money can’t buy.

I know that some of my actions and decisions were not up to your liking. I wish I had a chance to rewind and redo them the way you would have liked but you taught me to live and learn from the decisions you make so Thank You. I feel really bad that God took you away from all of us so soon just when it was time for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor but I know you are at peace and pain-free. I know you have been missing your namesake so tell him I said what’s up, let him know we miss him.

Thank you for being my Pop and showing the way. You’ll always be in my heart and soul.

Your Loving Son

Fly High Our Beloved “Big Randy”

To You, We Dedicate This Poem

Your laughter we still hear

Your smile we can still see

Our sorrow is shown with our tears

Even though we know you’re now at peace

God has called one of his “Angels” home

& through our sadness, we realize God is never wrong

We’ll embrace every memory we’ve shared together

knowing your Spirit will be with us Forever

This pain we feel runs deep through our veins

But when the pain runs its course, the joyful memories remain

of all the bar-b-que’s, fish fry’s & don’t forget the bones & spade games

These are the thoughts that will shine through the clouds & the rain

And even though our Souls are weak and in dismay

The memories of you give us Strength every day

We Stand in Harmony to give you SALUTE

As a Soldier, Son, Brother, Father, Uncle & Husband too.