Bennie L. Harvey

1935 - 2025

Bennie L Harvey

Jan. 22, 1935

May 20, 2025

Bennie Lee Harvey was born in Bonham Texas to Albert and Myrtle Harvey. They moved to California in 1939 where Bennie attended Burton school, when it was a two room schoolhouse. Bennie attended Porterville High School where he met the love of his life Janet Louise McClure, they were married in 1956. In September of 1957 they added a daughter Vicki and in 1959 they added a son Mike to the family.

Bennie had many jobs throughout his life.He picked crops of many kinds growing up. He worked at gas stations, installed TV's, drove ambulance, announced at Rocky Hill Speedway, driving cars for dealer trades for just about every car dealer in town, and various odd jobs, he even ran his own business doing insurance investigations, anything to provide for his family. He was a Psychiatric Technician at the Porterville State Hospital, hired on when he was nineteen years old, retiring after 42 years of service. He was extremely involved in the California State Employees Association, serving as President, Delegate and Assistant Regional Director for more than 10 years. He was also involved with the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians serving as President, Vice President, and Regional Director and Delegate and served on several state wide committees. Bennie was involved with local community organizations, he was Vice President on the Porterville Senior Council and was a member of B.P.O.E. Bennie's passion was flying. He wanted to fly since he was a young lad watching the airplanes of WWII flying overhead. In 1973 his wish came true when he got his private pilots license. He was heavily involved in the Porterville Area Pilots Association, serving as President twice, and was involved with getting the memorial wall for pilots at the airport erected. He was also involved with the Tulare County Sheriff Department Aero Squadron, serving as Commander for a term.

When he wasn't working Bennie enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, water skiing, building things in his shop, flying, and spending time with his family.

Bennie was preceded in death by his Daughter, Vicki, his Father Albert and his Mother Myrtle, and a sister Thelma Hill. He is survived by his Wife Janet, his Son Mike and daughter in-law Rhonda. He also leaves a Grandson Zachary, three Granddaughters Shandy Adame(Andrew), Susanna Snyder, and Rhianna Keller (Robert) and 8 Great GrandChildren. Extended family of Grandson Jon Pruit his wife Ericka and sons Sergio, Johnathon, and Julian.

Viewing will be June 4th at Myers Funeral home from 3pm to 7 pm. Service will be graveside at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery on June 6 at 11 am with reception at Antlers of Hope Bar and Grill 30990 Hwy 190 immediately following the service.

www.myersfuneral.com