Harvey Tunnell Jr., 87

MILFORD - Harvey Tunnell Jr., was born on Jan. 15, 1921, to the late Harvey Tunnell Sr. and Marie Shockley Tunnell. He entered into eternal rest on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008, from heart failure in the Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 87 years old. Harvey attended the Lincoln Public School system after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army Core Aug. 1, 1942. He received his training at the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Ala., as an aircraft and engine mechanic. After graduating, Harvey served his tour of duty as a Sergeant in El Paso, Texas, and was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army Air Core Feb. 1, 1946. He received the Good Conduct Medal; the American Theatre Ribbon Award; and the World War II Victory Ribbon Award. Harvey was then employed by Steiner and Company in Milford, Jan. 26, 1948. He became the first black supervisor in the State of Delaware. He retired from Steiner and Company in 1986, enjoying 22 years of retirement. Harvey was a devoted and committed member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church in Milford. He gave his life to Christ during a revival service at the church under the leadership of Rev. Alford. Harvey was a former Chairman of the Trustee Board, and active member of the Finance Committee, former Class Leader, former chaplain of the Male Chorus as well as a member and Treasurer of the Senior Choir. Harvey was united in marriage to Frances Holland Tunnell on March 1, 1964. From this union they were blessed with two sons, Harvey LaShawn Tunnell III and Brian Lee Tunnell; and a spiritual daughter, Teresa "Trici" Morris. Harvey leaves to cherish his memory seven granddaughters, Shantae' D. Tunnell, Bryauna N. Tunnell, Anaiya D. Tunnell, Cheyenne F. Tunnell, Crystal Taylor, Tiffany Lynn Taylor, and Aamyah Noel Taylor; two daughters-in-law, Melanie C. Tunnell and Alisha J. Parker; two sisters-in-law, Viola Tunnell and Grace J. Morris; his favorite nephew, Sgt. Major Robert "Robin" Tunnell (Ret.); nieces and nephews, Lizzie Tunnell, Janie Tunnell, Wilbur Tunnell Jr., Viola Frith, Susie Tunnell, Mary Lewis; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be noon in the Bethel A.M.E. Church, Milford, where friends may call two hours prior to the service. Burial will be in the Milford Community Cemetery, Milford. Arrangements are being handled by Young and McPherson Funeral Home, Milford.