William 'Sonny' Harvey

William "Sonny" Harvey, 67, of Chrisman passed away surrounded by his family on May 15, 2024 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville. He was born July 28, 1956 in Danville to William Eli Harvey, and Marjorie Mae Harvey (Yates). His father preceded him.

Sonny was a graduate from Ridge Farm High School, class of 74, but his love for learning followed him throughout his life. It was not uncommon to find him reading a book and educating himself on multiple subjects, history being one of his favorites. He spent over 35 years doing carpentry. The skills he acquired along the way eventually led to him beginning his own contracting business, which he proudly named Harvey Home Improvement and ran for nearly 10 years. He was a lifetime lover of music, especially the Beatles, and it was almost certain that if he was out in his garage, the radio was on. He enjoyed playing horseshoes with the guys and was an avid Chicago Bears and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Above all else he was a family man. He dedicated himself to his wife and his entire world revolved around his kids and grandkids. One of his favorite activities with the grandkids was picking berries and baking pies with them. He attended Chrisman Church of the Nazarene for over 30 years.

Sonny married Melody Sue Watts on May 21, 1983 and she truly was the love of his life. She passed away on September 1, 1994 and her passing left a lasting hole in his heart, though he kept her with him throughout his life.

He is survived by his mother Marjorie Lewsader, children Lacey (Garrett) Harvey-Rollins and William Eric Harvey (Amanda Andrews); and his grandchildren William "Soda" Erickson III, Anthony Jordan Harvey, Melody Mae Harvey-Erickson, Lennon Harvey-Rollins, Joplynn Harvey-Rollins, and Zoey Burton. He also leaves behind his siblings Linda Gritten, Janet (Jeff) Haladay, Gloria Henry, Robert (Anita) Harvey, and Lisa (Jeff) Wheeler; and his paw friends JaK and Stella.

In addition to his dad and wife, Sonny is preceded by his nephew Frederick Wheeler and brother-in-law Dave Henry.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 1-2 pm at the Chrisman Church of the Nazarene, located at 313 N. Pennsylvania Ave., in Chrisman. A funeral service celebrating his life will follow at 2pm, also at the church. He will be laid to rest next to Melody on their anniversary date following the services on Tuesday at Crown Hill Cemetery in Ridge Farm. Sunset Funeral Homes Houghton-Leasure Chapel assisted his family with arrangements. Online condolences and fond memories can be shared with his family on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.