Harrell J. (Jay) Harkey, a long-time Dallas resident, was born October 28, 1914 in Lone Oak, Texas. Mr. Harkey died early Monday morning, March 8, 2010, at The Forum Retirement Center in Dallas after a brief illness.
Harrell (Jay) Harkey was preceded in death by his parents G. U. and Jessie Martin Harkey, life-long residents of Lone Oak; a sister, Mary Joe Harkey of Dallas; and a brother, John Martin Harkey. Mr. Harkey was a graduate of Lone Oak High School and a 1938 graduate of Texas Tech University. He served in the United States Air Force during WWII. Following WWII he attended Southern Methodist University where he studied vocal music. Mr. Harkey was an accomplished tenor soloist who performed publicly and a successful furniture salesman until his retirement.
He was a former member and faithful supporter of Lone Oak United Methodist Church. At the time of his death, he was a member and supporter of Kavanaugh United Methodist Church in Greenville, Texas.
Jay never “met a stranger”! All who knew him knew his sense of humor, his generosity, his love of music, his love for people, and his strong Christian faith. Many were proud to call Jay “friend.” He will be greatly missed.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Friday at the Lone Oak United Methodist Church in Lone Oak with Rev. Ben Shinn and Rev. Jacqueline Harmon officiating. Interment will follow at the Lone Oak Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville.
Mike Hayter, Steve Hayter, Martin Hayter, Jim Bramledge, Jim Kirby, and Kevin Green will serve as pallbearers.
Jay’s beloved friends request memorials be made to the Lone Oak United Methodist Church Building Fund, 218 Main St., Lone Oak, TX 75453 or to the Lone Oak Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 424, Lone Oak, TX 75453.
For more information or to express condolences, visit www.cokermathews.com
