HARVEY A. BARKLEY
Harvey A. Barkley, 90, of Hubbard Lake, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 17, 2023.
Mr. Barkley was born on April 30, 1932, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Myrtle and Merritt Barkley. He spent part of his early life on a farm in Sanford, Michigan. Mr. Barkley graduated from Flint Technical High School and earned his mechanical engineering degree from General Motors Institute. Mr. Barkley worked for the Buick Motor Company for 40 years as a senior staff engineer retiring in 1992. He was also a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers International.
In his early years, he was a Sunday school teacher and deacon in his church. Mr. Barkley enjoyed hunting, fishing – especially Canadian fishing and traveling. He was devoted to his loving wife of over 70 years, Reay Lynn Barkley (Wixon), as well as his four children and their families: Drs. Gregory and Mary K. Barkley, Randy and Lynn Barkley, Scott and Mary Jane Barkley and Dr. Kay and Dan Gable. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Daniel (Allison) Barkley, Brian (Dr. Jessica Messerschmidt) Barkley, Laura (Andrew) Ward, Eric (Jaimi) Barkley, Katie Barkley (Nick Bedbury), Sean Barkley, Tom (Josie) Gable, Jess (Michael) Fana, Anna Gable and 11 great-grandchildren and another one on the way. Other surviving relatives include his sister, Ellen Parker, sisters-in-law, Phyllis Barkley and Sandy Wixon, and brother-in-law, Lewis (Doris) Wixon and family.
Mr. Barkley was preceded in death by in-laws, Evelyn and Lewis Wixon, brother, Loren Barkley, sister, Doris Brinkley, and brothers-in-law, Gordon Parker and Michael Wixon. Mr. Barkley will be remembered for so many things including his willingness to share knowledge, his strong integrity, his caring, loving concern for others and above all, his devotion to his family. He will always be missed and remembered as we continue our large family gatherings at Hubbard Lake.
The family wishes to acknowledge appreciation to caregivers Karla, Brenda, Inez, Andrea, Crystal and Kim and the Hospice team.
Family will receive friends on Monday, March 20, 2023, at Word of Life Baptist Church beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Scott Joy officiating. Please consider a memorial donation to Word of Life Baptist Church or Hospice of Michigan. McWilliams Funeral Home is assisting the family.