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Gary Harley Obituary

Gary W. Harley PORTSMOUTH - Services for Gary Wilson Harley will be held at 2 p.m. today in Central Baptist Church. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, is in charge.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jun. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Harley

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Susan Peters

June 27, 2010

Mrs. Harley,

You and your family our in my prayers. We will miss seeing Brother Harley's friendly face when I go back to visit Central. However, I know that he has a crown of righteousness in heaven.

Renee & Brandi Dail

June 26, 2010

Mr Harley was one of the kindest, gentlest, nicest, God fearing men I have ever met. I had the pleasure of meeting him when my daughter was going to Central Christian Academy. He was always there for my daughter Brandi and I no matter what. I was going through some things at that time, and no matter what it was, he always had the right words to say that made me know just how Godly he was. He was my MENTOR. my daughter and I finally m oved from our house in Aug of 2009, but before we moved we ran into him and his Sweet wife in "Hardees" one morning, and as usual, there he was with open arms asking how we were and how my Mom and Dad were doing. He never forgot anyone. I Loved that man, and was so glad we ran into him again. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to his Family. We will miss him, but we will also see him again in a better place.

Renee & Brandi Dail

June 26, 2010

I will forever be greatfull for having the opportunity to know My friend and "MENTOR" Mr Harley. My daughter was going to Central Christian Academy at the time we met such a great man. He took us under his wing, and really showed me what a great God Fearing person was. My daughter and I thought the world of him. I had to move from my home in August Of 2009, but before we moved, we ran into him and his "Sweet" wife at "Hardees" one morning. And of course, there he was with open arms as usual asking how we have been and about my Mom and Dad. He was an "AUSOME" friend and Father figure to myself and my Daughter Brandi. He will be GREATLY missed. I can't wait to see him again in HEAVEN. Our thoughts and Prayers to the Family.

Christian&Wanda Davenport

June 24, 2010

Mr.Harley has been an example of a caring brother and many years ago my mother was a member of Central, but until Mr. Harley conducted a funeral for my dad's family he had no interest in church but after talking with Mr. Harley he started coming to church and created a path that helped the whole family. Recently my wife and I returned to Central and one of the first people to shake our hand and welcome us was Mr. Harley. He will be greatly missed but I am sure he is very happy with his suroundings.

Mindy Evans Patterson

June 24, 2010

Mr. Harley was our neighbor for several years while we were at Central. He was such a Godly example to all of us. My dad, sisters, and I used to go to the gymnasium and play basketball with Mr. Harley! They were always intense games! He was such hard worker and was always there when you needed him! I can still hear him say "Howdy Neighbor!" I bet that's what he and my dad said when they saw each other in Heaven. They are probably up there singing as only they could!!!

Barbara Copeland

June 24, 2010

Mr. Harley, wow, where to begin. We had just gotten saved when we went to Central and he took us under his wings right from the start. What a soldier for the Lord! He sure kept me in line! He could say things to me no one else could get away with! :) My fondest memories are of all the Christmas gatherings at my home that were centered around the date I could get the Harley's there! Lee and I weren't raised in a Christian home so without Pastor Robertson and the Harley's I really don't know where we would be in our Christian walk. I know they have prayed for us all through the years and God only knows what those prayer's have done. Please don't stop Mrs. Harley. :) I know one thing, compared to the crown Mr. Harley recieved, mine will look like it came from Burger King! See you soon Mr. Harley! In the blink of an eye!!
Barbara and Lee

Kenny Craig

June 24, 2010

Dear Mrs. Harley and Family, I know without a doubt that my Dad was waiting for Brother Harley when he arrived in eternity and I'm sure they gave each other a big hug and smile. :) Brother Harley was the first one to see me the night of my Dad's viewing and he gave me a big hug. I told him that my Dad thought the world of him and considered him a very close friend. It makes me happy knowing my Dad has his close friend with him in Heaven. I will never forget the kind of Christian man Brother Harley was. I love him and can't wait to see him and my Dad one day!

Lydia Burnell

June 24, 2010

Mr. Harley had a genuine love for God & he really cared about people! His sincere words of encouragement meant alot to me each Sunday! He did such a wonderful job honoring my Dad "Starkey Brinkley" at his funeral! Our family will truly miss your Husband & Father! God bless you & your family!
Love, the Brinkley family Dorothy, Stephen, Joseph & Lydia & Stanley Burnell.

Krista Ryan

June 23, 2010

Mr. Harley was a gentleman and servant of the Lord and his consistency displayed an "oak of righteousness" for God's glory. He recently sent me a vase full of yellow tulips with a special note this past spring encouraging me, when I should have been encouraging him. That's the kind of man he was; gentle, yet strong. We will miss him so much! Prayers to Mrs. Harley, Linda and Grace. Krista Ryan

John and Sue Riddick

June 23, 2010

If the world had more Godly men like Mr. Harley, what a wonderful place this would be. He was truly a blessing to us. Sincere sympathy to his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

June 23, 2010

Uncle Gary will be missed; love and sympathy to Grace and family~ Debbie Friar

June 23, 2010

Brother Harley was one of the most consistent, compassionate, and faithful men of God I've ever met. He truly was a role model for us as we "grew up". I had the privilege of working with him for a number of years and his willingness to do whatever was asked, no matter how menial, was a true example of a servant's heart. His soul winning heart was amazing. I can only imagine how many crowns he has in heaven right now!! I will definitely miss his warm smile! I'm praying for the family during this time - as I know they'll miss him as well - despite his joy at being Home with his Savior.

Vanda & Jim

DUANE JARRELL

June 23, 2010

ABSENT FROM THE BODY AND PRESENT WITH THE LORD. BROTHER HARLEY IS NOW WITH THE LORD HE HAS SERVED FOR SO LONG AND SO HARD. REST IN PEACE OUR DEAR FRIEND.

Pat Evans

June 23, 2010

I will always renenber Mr. Harley's great love for the Lord. It was a blessing to work with him at Central Baptist. I'm sure that he and my husband are talking and singing praises together in Heaven now. After all, they were a part of that famous singing group of Harley, Marley, and Charlie (Bias)! My prayers are with the family at this time.

Betty Clark

June 23, 2010

Love and Condolences to you Mrs. Harley, Linda, Grace and family. Love leaves a memory that no one can steal and Brother Harley certainly scattered memories everywhere. Jesus Christ has always been my rock but Brother Harley was my Tree, standing tall, firm and spiritually grounded. His branches reached out to a lot of us providing faith, wisdom and courage to go on.I have never met anyone with as much faith and character as Brother Harley. I am so honored to have known and loved him as my dear christian friend. When God put us together to begin the Senior Citizens Group, neither one of us knew the impact it would have on our lives. It grew into a wonderful, fun-loving ministry and God used us in many ways. It was one of the best parts of my life and changed my life tremendously. I am so happy that I got to come home and rejoice with him before God took him home. All of his hard devoted work has paid off - he has reached the top. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Nancy Keel Garsik

June 23, 2010

Mr. and Mrs. Harley were GREAT neighbors and friends to my Grandmother, who passed away several years ago. I can still hear her say, Preacher Harley....He was a good Christian man, who love the Lord. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Harley family.

Al and Vicki

June 23, 2010

I cannot put into words how much your father meant to Al and I; he was a wonderful man to work with at Central. He was an inspiration to me as I watched his life and his love for God; it showed in every aspect of his life. I remember one time in particular that he came by my home for a visit when I was going through a difficult time, I have never forgotten his genuine love that he showed me that day.

His personal character and testimony were two of his greatest assets. Gary Harley was a faithful steward fulfilling all the responsibilities of God's calling upon his life. He was loyal to his Lord and country; he carried that discipline throughout his earthly ministry. His loyality and love to his many friends until the end were monumental.

I will miss seeing his smiling face and that HUGE handshake, but he is home in the sweet arms of the One he loved so much.

Dan & Cricket Young

June 22, 2010

Dear Harley Family,
You have been in our prayers since we visited with you while on our short furlough. It has been our prayer that the Lord's grace would bring peace and harmony in the midst of many difficult decisions. Bro. Harley was a great soldier of the cross. It was a blessing to call you neighbors and friends. We have such fond memories of our experiences with you while on staff there at Central. May the Lord's peace, grace and love sustain you as you seek to move forward in the absence of your loved one knowing that this end is only a new beginning. May you rest in His promise of seeing Bro. Harley once again.
Love and Prayers,
Dan & Cricket

Terry (Ward) Daniels

June 22, 2010

With caring thoughts and deepest Sympathy to my Dear Friend Grace, Mrs. Harley and Linda...I wish I knew the words to ease your hurt today. Knowing Mr. Harley is with his Heavenly Father will be the only blessing that comes from your loss...May God Bless you in your time of need. My love to you all.

Janat Carroll

June 22, 2010

Bro. Gary Harley was my Pastor and friend. He was always there for my family. Bro. Harley truly showed Christ to us because he loved, he cared about souls and he gave so much. Bro. Harley helped me and mother with my dad who was paralyzed and in a wheelchair for 16 years. He took my dad to Dr.’s appointments took my dad for a ride to get Him outside, took him outside in the backyard to enjoy the sun. He even gave my dad a bath. What love! He would stay with my dad so I could get my mother out for a while. He would encourage my mother and make her smile. We loved for him to pray for us because we knew he was talking to God and you felt God’s love. Bro. Harley was the one who taught me about God’s grace and forgiveness. Grace that is to be received and forgiveness for others that we can be free and not in bondage to unforgiveness. I honor Bro. Harley and I know I will see him again. I love you Dolores and thank you for sharing Bro. Harley with us and so many others. I know you had many days and nights alone because Bro. Harley was about His Father’s business ministering to many. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Linda, Grace and family.

Shirley Ebert

June 22, 2010

My sincerest condolences to brother Harleys family.We will always remember him.

Amy Porter

June 22, 2010

Your family will continue to be in my prayers. I am thankful to have known Mr. Harley while at Central. I know he prayed often for our family. I am thankful for that.

June 22, 2010

Mr.Harley was the most devoted man of GOD we have known. He was a good friend.He truly touched Dallas & my life in so many ways.He keept in touch with us even after we moved.
We will miss him very much! He will never be forgotten. He has done so much for the LORD! Our love to his family.

DALLAS&JOANN NEVILLE
GATES,NORTH CAROLINA

Susan Eddins

June 22, 2010

I have never known a more faithful man than Mr. Harley. He was the kind of witness the Lord wants us all to be. His outlook on life was to win souls to the Lord and that is just what he did. I know he has many crowns waitng for him some I'm sure he doesn't know about. It was an honor to be his friend. Mrs. Harley remember to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and there's no doubt he will be watching over you and the family. I loved him and I love you.

Herman and Joyce Covey

June 22, 2010

Brother Harley will be missed by all who knew him. For many years he has been a caring and compassionate person. The many times he visited my elderly mother and always asked about other family members are just a couple of examples of how he expressed the love of Christ to others. Enjoy your reward in heaven.

Mike Livesay

June 22, 2010

Mrs. Harley,
I send my condolences to you and your family at this time. I have fond memories of you and your husband coming to see me. I truly know that families can and will be forever.
Sincerely your friend,

Luther & Martha Smith

June 22, 2010

Bro. Gary, you have been a faithful servant of the Lord and have remained true to your Saviour. Thank you for being a true example of Jesus Christ. We will miss you and will look forward to seeing you again in Heaven. Our love and prayers are with the family. Your friends, Luther and Martha

Charles L. Jowers

June 22, 2010

I had some great times with Gary in our younger years. Gary lived with us when we had a Dairy Farm in Blackville, SC. I had not heard from Gary until a few months back when he called me. It had been 60 years since I last talked with him. When Gary called me to tell me of his health problem, I put him on our prayer list at Church and I prayed for him everyday. Gary is at peace now.

David Leach

June 22, 2010

Dad, I will miss you, will keep my promises to you, and remember who you are, where you are, and who you served and serve still...Jesus. Your loving and greatful son in law...son...David

Edgar Ashley

June 22, 2010

Bro.Gary was always a true friend. He always had a kind word to say and represented the Lord Jesus Christ in every thing he did and said. I will truly miis him.I pray that the family will have peace in the Lord and know that he is in the best palce ,Heaven with the Lord. May the Lord bless the Harley Family. Edgar & Trudy Ashley

Dr.Georgia Holton & Staff

June 22, 2010

Just wanted to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time..

Latena Powell

June 22, 2010

Mr. harley was a devout christian. We go back for many years. He was a good friend and will really be missed by all he touched with his life..Please know our thoughts and prayers will be with his family.
Latena Powell & Family

Len Boush

June 22, 2010

Bro. Harley was one of the most Godly men I have ever known. Although he would be the first to tell you that he was no one special, he was the truest example of "letting the love of God shine" of anyone I knew. I will miss him very much.

Doris Jarrell

June 22, 2010

Mr. Harley led me to the Lord in 1981, he was a great man and friend. I will miss him very much. I love you, Mr. Harley.

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