Anthony "Tony" B. Harvey

In Loving Memory of Anthony "Tony" Harvey

Anthony "Tony" B. Harvey departed this life on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Tony blessed the world with his presence on August 21, 1963, son of Donald and Valette (Cruz) Harvey. Valette survives in Pontiac.

His services will be on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. at Pontiac Bible Church in Pontiac with Pastor Jarrod Bartholomew.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the church.

Tony attended Pontiac public schools and graduated from Pontiac Township High School, class of 1982. He became a sports legend competing and excelling in a variety of sports, especially wrestling and football. He was inducted into the PTHS Sports Hall of Fame. Tony continued his sports career with football scholarships to Illinois Valley Community College, Lasalle-Peru, Illinois, and Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), Cape Girardeau, Missouri respectively.

Tony was widely known for his 25-year career working in the Illinois Department of Corrections at prisons in Danville, Pontiac, Joliet, and Stateville Correctional Center.

He worked maximum security in the most dangerous areas of the prisons where he saved a co-worker's life and protected many others. The safety of his peers was always a priority.

Tony grew up in the Pontiac Bible Church and later in life enjoyed the Sunday service at Eastview Christian Church in Normal, Illinois.

Recently written, Tony was more than a sports icon or a protector. "He was a pillar of our community. His kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for others made him a beloved figure, not just among his fellow athletes, but among all who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a rare ability to bring people together, to uplift spirits, and to foster a sense of unity that transcended boundaries."

He was preceded in death by his devoted father, Donald Harvey.

Tony leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving children, Ryan Barnes, Carl Barnes, and Hailey Harvey; his loving siblings, Randy (Patti) Harvey, Marcia Barnes, and Niki Harvey; his loving nieces and nephews, Tameka (Andrew), Andrew, RJ, Dominique, Hillary, Chyna, Joshua (Lorena), Grace, and Brian; as well as a host of childhood friends whose brotherhood lasted his lifetime.

Tony was the conqueror, a force, lightning fast, with a luminous smile; engaging and benevolent. My brother always put others in front of himself. He was a legend in sports and a king of kindness. Tony was a great father and I know my father, Don Harvey, will smile waiting for his big man in heaven. Amen. ~Marcia Barnes

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.