Dewey Harvard "Harvey" Vollrath Jr., 61, of Hartwell, Georgia, died June 23, 2009, at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, South Carolina, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Harvey was born May 16, 1948, in Darlington, South Carolina, at the home of his aunt, Lila Gardner.

To say Harvey was a sports enthusiast would be an understatement.Fueled by the love for his sons, Harvey devoted countless days as a coach and mentor to boys throughout Hart County.Numerous parents came to know Harvey as their child's Little League Baseball and Football Coach or church league basketball coach, roles he loved with his heart and soul throughout the years. His dedication to Hart County Football eventually led Harvey to serve two terms as President of the Lake Hartwell Touchdown Club.He also served as the Voice of the Hart County High School Football program during Friday night home games, which he coined "Friday Night Under the Lights."Harvey loved to inspire the fans and players before the games and always sparked the crowd by stating, "Get on your feet! Are you ready for some Hart County Football?!"

Harvey recently retired from a rewarding career at the University of Georgia after 30 years of service at his Alma Mater.He loved his Georgia Dawgs, but was excited to begin his dream job as a manager at the Hartwell Golf Club. Harvey loved the game of golf and spending time with his many friends at this club.

Harvey was a member and past master of the Nancy Hart Masonic Lodge #690, Hartwell United Methodist Church and served in the United States Navy in communications from 1971 ~ 1975.

Harvey is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Connie; daughters Kim Powell and her husband Wesley of Hartwell, Georgia, and Valerie Gifford of Weston, Florida; sons Jim and John, both of Hartwell, Georgia; sister Suzanne Keogh and her husband Jim of Clemson, South Carolina; three grandsons, Sidney, Peyton and Lockaby; one granddaughter, Olivia and Niece, Kate Keogh.Each of them believes their husband, brother, Daddy and "Paw-Paw" hung the moon.He is preceded in death by his parents, Dewey Harvard Vollrath Sr. and Virginia Gardner Vollrath.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hartwell First United Methodist Church.Rev. Allen Stewart, Rev. Ken Buffington and Rev. John Silver will officiate. Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park with Masonic Rites.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home ~ Hartwell Chapel where the family will receive friends Thursday night from 6 - 9:00 p.m.Memorials may be made to Lake Hartwell Touchdown Club, P.O. Box 164, Hartwell, GA30643.