Robert Preston Harvell

As I write this, it has been exactly one month since Robert left. It still does not seem real. I want to share with you a little about who my husband was as a person besides when he was born and when he left. He was so much more than just the dash between the dates. He was the LOVE of my life. We were only married for two years, but they were the best two years of my life. He filled a void within me that made me feel complete in a way that I never had before. He was always happy and jolly. He loved to work in his garden, work in the yard, spend time with his dog Bubba, and he spent most of his time out in his little building. He did a lot of cooking out there as it was complete with a kitchen, and it was filled with every gadget you could think of. He was the neighborhood warrior. If anyone needed anything, they came to Robert. He especially loved helping the older residents. He will be missed more than I can express.  

Robert was born in Duplin County to his loving parents, Francis Henry Harvell, and Geraldine Wheeler Harvell, both of whom are surely rejoicing in heaven to have their son join them. Robert had two brothers, Butch Harvell (Jo), of Burgaw, and Gary Harvell (Lisa) of Steadman. He had one sister, Pam Cole (Dean) of Penderlea. He had a special friend in his dog, Bubba. He spent more time with him than he did with me, but that is ok. I always knew I was second to Bubba, nonetheless, I know without a doubt that he loved me too. Robert did not have any children, but he loved mine as his own. Scott Dale of Wrightsville Beach, Carmen Piner (Brandon) of Willard, and Harlee James of LaGrange. He loved his nieces and nephews along with his great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as my four granddaughters. He had a special bond with my youngest granddaughter, Ellie.  He and Ellie shared the same birthday. 

Robert’s death was sudden and unexpected, even though he had been dealing with stage 4 lung cancer since last August. His tumor had shrunk to about half its original size, and he was starting to feel much better. We were very hopeful that he would beat this. I am not sure exactly what happened, but he died in his sleep at home, which is exactly where he wanted to be. His wishes were to be cremated which I have honored. 

I cannot begin to thank Padgett Funeral Home of Wallace for its Director, Glenn Everett Kornegay. He and his staff displayed immense compassion, kindness, and concern for my desires in putting my husband to rest. I opted not to have a formal service because that is not who Robert was. Instead, I plan to have a big CELEBRATION of life for him at our home where he loved to be. 

While the main purpose of this writing is to share with you who my husband was, there is one more thing I would like to share with you. Tomorrow is never promised to any of us, so LOVE your people with all you have and treat every day as a special occasion because you never know if it will be your last. 

His loving wife,  

Teresa 

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