Thomas Joe Harvey, of Columbia, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Harvey family will receive guests on Saturday afternoon, May 2, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia.

He was born on August 21, 1962, in Tylertown, Mississippi. Raised on his family’s dairy farm in Kokomo, Mississippi, he and his brothers and sisters experienced a childhood full of hard work, close bonds, and stories that could rival any country song. He attended Columbia Academy, where he was active in athletics, playing football for the school and baseball in the community league. He was a member of Magee’s Creek Baptist Church for many years.

Joe was widely known for his strong work ethic and the pride he took in doing every job “big or small” well. Following high school, he began a long career with Rowell Roofing, where he led a crew for more than 30 years. He later worked for the Marion County School District, where he managed campus maintenance and transportation.

With the help of his wife and children, he built his own shop, which became one of his favorite places to be. He took great pride in working with his hands, especially woodworking, where he could create and stay busy doing what he loved. Many hours were spent there, and it was a space that reflected his skill, patience, and love for building.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe spent many weekends hunting with family and friends. He and his wife, Kathy, especially enjoyed their annual pheasant hunting trips. He took great pride in deer hunting, processing his own harvests, keeping the freezer full, and building an impressive menagerie.

Joe also loved gathering people together. He was known throughout Marion County for hosting family and friends and for serving what many considered the best cleaned and seasoned crawfish around.

After his first trip to Montana and Yellowstone, he found what he often called his “second home.” He and Kathy dreamed of one day sharing a home there with close friends and family—a plan that was sadly interrupted by his diagnosis.

Joe fought a long and quiet battle with dementia. His family first recognized signs of early onset in his early 50s, and he was formally diagnosed in his late 50s. He spent his final season of life in memory care. His family shares this in hopes that others will recognize the signs early and seek diagnosis, allowing for better understanding and planning.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Carl Brumfield; four Grandparents, Hobert & Eunice Ratliff; Jasmer & Eunice Harvey; one Brother, Jeff Harvey; his Father-in-Law, Winston Allen; his Mother-in-Law, Dot Allen; and one Brother-in-Law, Rex Allen

He is survived by his loving Wife, Kathy Harvey; two Children, TJ (Charlie) Harvey-Caplis; Jordan (Chance) McNabb; his Mother, Carolyn Brumfield; six Siblings, Amarylis (Skip) Attix, Debra Brumfield, Dawn (Doug) Brister, Darryl Brumfield, Steve Harvey, Belinda (Michael) Gonzalez; four Grandchildren, Chanley Grace, Sawyer Joe, Ridge Harvey, Ethan Parks; and a host of Nieces and Nephews.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association – Mississippi Chapter at http://act.alz.org/goto/MemoryofJoeHarvey, 207 W Jackson St, Ridgeland, MS 39157; or to The MIND Center at UMMC, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216.

Joe will always be “Forever in our Hearts.”

Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.