Walter Everett Harvey

2005 Effingham Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Walter was born on April 25, 1921 to Thomas John and Maggie Everett Harvey. He was the fourth child of six. His siblings were John (Buck), Mildred, Glennis, Polly and Fully. He attended the little schoolhouse in Meldrim and also Marlow School.

He was always known for his love of the Ogeechee River where he was raised. He would hire himself out to paddle boats for people at his father’s fish camp and boat landings as early as 8 years old.

His love for baseball began at an early age. His father pitched for a team in which, one day he pitched left-handed and the next day right-handed.

Walter played for the Savannah River League in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. He also played ball with Atlantic Coast Line Rail Road team in the 1960’s. He was a left-handed pitcher with Yogi Newman as his catcher. He also played in the outfield. He always had a high batting average. He was instrumental in getting the first lights at the Meldrim Ball Park. Finding the trees for the poles in the woods behind his home.

He was a member of the Meldrim Athletic Association. He coached little league in Meldrim for 8 years. His team won regional championship for 3 years. They won 2^nd Place in the State Championship. His team was county champs for 7 years and county all stars coach for 8 years. Walter’s team lost 4 games in 8 years from mid 1960’s to early 1970’s.

Walter married Mary Lois Ray on February 14, 1948, 56 years ago. They have 7 children, 4 sons (Everett, Wayne, Gary and Waring) and 3 daughters (Linda, Joy and Rouin). He has 22 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

He was a member of the Meldrim Baptist Church for 75 years, where he was the oldest charted member. He was given the Deacon Emeritus Award. He served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Sunday School Teacher, Training Union Teacher, RA’s teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and Training Union Superintendent.

After 42 years of service, he retired Footboard Yard Master from CSX Railroad in 1982. He was an avid hunter where he was an honorary member of Bay District, Devils Woodyard, and Ogeechee hunting clubs. He loved farming and selling his vegetables at the market and roadside stands. He was known for his love of the Atlanta Braves Baseball Team.

Walter died February 22, 2005 at Hospice House in Savannah after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.