Biography: Our physical world lost the loveable, gregarious, and irascible Vic Harvey of Little Rock on September 19th, following a three year struggle with CO/PD. He was named Victor Eldon Harvey by his parents Mildred and Vernon Harvey of Beebe, Arkansas on January 28th, 1936. Always the biggest boy in his class, Victor excelled at math, science, history, and he loved helping daily with the Harvey Family farm. Vic graduated Beebe High School in 1953, attended Arkansas State teacher’s College, then transferred to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he graduated in 1957 with a degree in business administration. He was quickly recruited by J. C. Penney Co. to open a new store in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Vic’s career with Penney’s spanned 25 years, culminating with the 1973 opening of their huge new anchor store in McCain Mall, North Little Rock. Vic managed that store, and enjoyed serving the North Little Rock Rotary Club, and the McCain Mall Merchant’s Association. He then pioneered the “teen shop” concept at McCain and University malls by creating The Berry Patch, a wildly popular enterprise that lasted 11 years. In 1987, Vic married Rita Mitchell, owner of ELLE Ladies Apparel Shop. While working 3 jobs, Vic helped Rita with ELLE, and together they grew that business into 7000 square foot shopping mecca for women. With the rapid progression of Vic’s illness, ELLE was closed December of 2007. Vic relished PVCC golf, sports, music, dancing, and his Beebe class of ‘53 antics. Close loved ones wife Rita of Little Rock, Lynn and Jean Harvey, Dr. Jerry Harvey, Mike Harvey all of Cabot, Michele Harvey Mansell of Fort Smith, Alicia Harvey Lockwood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, along with countless adopted family, will miss Vic fiercely. Vic’s fellowship reception will be at Pleasant Valley Country Club from 5 to 8 PM Wednesday, September 23rd. There will be spiritual remarks by Reverends Steve Hancock, and Karen Akin of Second Presbyterian Church. Rita and Vic express special gratitude to Hal Butler, Larry McDaniel, the Rainwood Cove neighborhood, Dr. Gail McCracken, Rita’s amazing co-workers, and a host of selfless daily care helpers. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. Rather than flowers, Vic wishes memorials to Second Presbyterian Church Pastoral Care Ladies, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72227 Central Arkansas Library System, 100 Rock Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, and the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72210.
I will always remember Vic with a smile. He was always warm and welcoming. I will continue to pray for you as I know the months ahead will be difficult. Please remember you have so many people that care for you.
Cindy Carpenter