Gable, SC

Elijah “Red” Harvin, son of the late James Ben Harvin and Fannie Lou Gause Harvin was born April 4, 1954 in New Zion, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by one brother, James E. Harvin.

He received his formal education in the public schools of Clarendon County.

He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, joining Howard Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, New Zion, South Carolina. He also attended Melina Presbyterian Church, Gable, South Carolina.

He was employed with Coker Buildings, Sumter, South Carolina and The Durant Brothers for many years.

“Red”, as he was affectionately known, was bubbly and a jokester. He had a passion for softball, baseball and fishing, but above all things, family who was his number one priority, especially his grandchildren. “Red” reminded his family and the community daily, to always “Do The Math”!

He was joined in holy matrimony to Betty Kennedy Harvin and this union was blessed with four children. On Thursday, October 28, 2021, Elijah “Red” Harvin, transitioned to be with the Lord, quietly and peacefully at his residence.

Those left to cherish his precious memories: a loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Betty K. Harvin of the home; two loving sons, Garrick (Carol) Kennedy, Sumter, SC and Jarell (Wyteshia) Harvin, Lynchburg, SC; two caring daughters, Kenya Kennedy, Columbia, SC and Jessica (Jeffrey) Mitchell, Sumter, SC; three special nephews reared as his own, Reggie (Kimberly) Kennedy, Columbia, SC, Ronald (Judy) Kennedy, New Zion, SC and Travis (Ebony) Kennedy, Charlotte, NC; one brother, Jimmy (Thelma) Harvin, Sumter, SC; three sisters, Corine (Henry) Tomlin, Ella Sheriod and Deloris Butler all of Sumter, SC; fifteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; five sisters-in-law, Mabel Kennedy, Riverdale, MD, Rhodenia (Phillip) Kennedy-Corham, Lynette Barnhart, Vivian Kennedy all of Landover, MD and Mary Francis Harvin, Turbeville, SC; three brothers-in-law, John (Deloris) Kennedy and Henry Kennedy both of Landover, MD and Edward (Virginia) Kennedy, Riverdale, MD; one special goddaughter, Erica Cousar; one special friend, Edward McFadden; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Harvin were held 12:00 Noon Friday, November 5, 2021 at Melina Presbyterian Church, 3539 Black River Road, Gable, SC. Rev. Samuel Sparks, Pastor; Rev. Mary Hagan, officiated; Dr. Franklin D. Colclough, assisted. Burial followed in the churchyard cemetery.

The family received friends at his residence.