Ronnie Earl Harvey, Sr.

Ronnie E. “Ron” Harvey, 80, passed away peacefully at home in Biloxi, MS, on January 14, 2025.

 Born in Meridian, MS, Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. “Bob” Harvey and Frances McLelland Harvey, as well as three brothers: James Edwin “Jim” Harvey, Robert Lowry “Bobby” Harvey, and Steven Louis Harvey.

 He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Thordis G. “Doddy” Harvey; his sister, Linda H. Bentz; his daughter, Berlinda Cornelia Maria Muilwijk (Pieter); four sons: Halldor “Hal” Gisli Gunnarsson, Larus “Larry” Gunnarsson, Robert “Bob” Edwin Harvey II, and Ronnie Earl Harvey Jr. (Leslie); eight grandchildren: Austin Agnar Gunnarsson(Nicole), Max Verhoef, Erik Thor Gunnarsson, Zachary Tomas Gunnarsson, Robert Edwin “BJ” Harvey III, Katelynn Christine Barnes (Nate), Lilly Bella Harvey, and Viktor Anakin Barone; and one great-grandchild, Athena Freyja Gunnarsson.

 Ron attended Ponta Elementary and Kate Griffin Schools in Meridian before enlisting in the U.S. Navy Seabees in December 1961. He served his country with honor for 20 years, retiring in 1981 as a Chief Petty Officer. During his distinguished career, his duty stations included Alaska, two tours in Vietnam, Okinawa, Japan, and Keflavik, Iceland, where he met his loving wife, Doddy. He also served as a recruiter in Tupelo and Laurel, MS, and with Naval Construction Battalions 121 and 133, retiring in Gulfport, MS.

 After his military service, Ron continued his commitment to education and service by entering the Federal Civil Service as an instructor. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1991 and retired as Director of Training in 2008.

Ron’s passions included spending time with family and friends, exploring history, and researching genealogy. He also loved boating and travel, often planning trips around historical war sites. A proud patriot, he never met a stranger and was known for his humor, storytelling, and love of cheering on the New Orleans Saints.

 He was an active member of several organizations, including:

• Andrew Chapel Masonic Lodge #151 in Meridian, MS
• Joppa Shriners in Biloxi, MS
• Legacy Member of VFW Post 2485 in Angeles City, Philippines
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
• Navy Seabee Veterans of America, where he served as State Commander
• The CEC Seabee Historical Foundation
• A lifetime member of the NMCB 121 Association
• Member of the Krewe of Gemini in Gulfport, MS
• Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at noon, with a service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Both will be held at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th Street, Gulfport, MS. Ronnie will be laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

 The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the VA Caregivers Program, Hospice of Light, Your Choice Senior Health Care, and Amedisys Home Health Care for their compassionate care.

 Instead of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438 in Ron’s honor.

 Ron will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

 Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Harvey family.