Officer Tommy Joe Harvey's Obituary
Tommy Joe Harvey, 60, of Charlotte, a member of the Huntersville Police Department, went to be with the Lord on September 30, 2025. He was born on January 24, 1965 in Springfield, Mass. to the late Joe Priester and Jacqueline Smith Williams.
Since he was a child, Tommy always wanted to be a police officer. Tommy began his career in law enforcement in 1987 in CT with The Hartford Police Department. He served in several special units including: Vice and Narcotics, Crime Suppression, Operations Unit, Motor Vehicle Stop Checks, Burglary Detail and Auto Theft Detail. After 20 years of service, he retired from Hartford, CT, and continued his love for community policing for the York County Sheriff’s Office, UNC Charlotte Police Department, Monroe Police Department, and was actively serving Huntersville Police Department. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University in 2019 and joined the National Society of Leadership and Success in 2023.
Tommy would say that being a police officer was just in his blood. He enjoyed helping people find peaceful resolutions to conflicts, and helping the homeless. He was known for personally paying for hot meals, hotel rooms, bus tickets, and simply handing cash to the homeless. Most would consider it a blessing to be pulled over by Officer Harvey, as he would prefer to give verbal warnings over written tickets. “Locking people up and writing tickets is not always the answer”, he would say.
Tommy was well liked by everyone he met. He has touched many people’s hearts through both his personal and professional interactions. Many will tell you about the countless hours he spent just listening. He was charismatic, always a gentleman, and a man of integrity, and loved the Lord.
Outside of work, Tommy loved to travel. He held VIP status on Carnival Cruise Lines, having taken more than 20 cruises. He loved listening to good music and developed a liking for Karaoke later in his life. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his family. Being the best husband, father, grandfather and friend was very important to him.
Tommy is survived by his wife Jennifer Harvey; sons, Tommy Harvey Jr., and Jahrard Harvey; Daughters, Tommica Harvey, Taylor Harvey and Tambree Harvey; Step-daughters, Julissa Morgan and Tre-Arra Hudgens; Siblings, Freddie Priester, Josie Priester, Paul Priester, Leola Priester, and Joanne Priester. His Former Wife: Mexain Elliott, Father in-law: Robert Morgan, 11 grandchildren, and a large number of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorials may be made to Roof Above, Charlotte NC in honor of Tommy Harvey.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, October 6 at James Funeral Home. Visitation will be 12-1 PM. Burial will take place at Mountainview Cemetery, Bloomfield, CT.
James Funeral Home is serving the family.
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