Harvey Peery King

1923 - 2008

Harvey Peery King, 85, of Crockett, Va., passed away on Monday, October 13, 2008. He was born in Crockett, Va., on February 11, 1923, to Bessie Lambert and John King. He was predeceased by one sister, Della Gaye Tipton; and a brother-in-law, Ben Tipton. Peery was a well known dairy farmer who owned and operated King's Orchard and Dairy for 60 years. Everyone knew Peery as the "Ole Yodeling Apple Man." He was a member of the Word of Life Ministries and served many years on the board of the Rural Retreat Wythe County Fair Association. He was an honorary member of the Rural Retreat Community Center Board and the Rural Retreat Senior Citizens. Peery loved to sing and will be remembered for his rendition of "Worn Out." He joined numerous choirs and could be heard singing with the VA Mass Choir, Mt. Ephraim Gospelaires, Seventh Day Adventist Cantata and Word of Life Ministries. He devoted several years ministering on Wednesday evening to the residents of Hedgefield. Peery will be greatly missed by his loving family and his numerous friends. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruby Montgomery King; daughters and son-in-law, Juanita Colley, of Suffolk, Va., and Judy and Jerry Yonce, of Wytheville, Va.; sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Sara King, of Amherst, Va., and Roger and Beverly King, of Crockett, Va.; granddaughters, Cynthia King, Latricia Yonce, and Davina Yonce; grandsons, Neal and Lorna King, Michael Colley, and Jeffery and Michelle Colley; great-grandchildren, Alora King, Rayna King, Charla King, Josiah Gates, Reagan Colley, and Rhiannon Colley; and special nephew, Wayne Tipton, of Ashville, N.C. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2008, at the Barnett Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gary Cope and the Rev. Edward Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to the National M.S. Society, Blue Ridge Chapter, One Morton Drive, Suite 106, Charlottesville, Va. 22903. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, Va., is in charge of arrangements.