Obituary: Harvey Gene Anderson

Harvey Gene Anderson passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of family after an extended period of declining health.

Harvey was born on July 6, 1939 in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Helen Marie and Harvey Garrison Anderson. He grew up in Memphis, graduated from Humes High School, and attended Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College). He then moved to Durham, North Carolina to attend Duke University, where he earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry.

While at Duke, Harvey met the love of his life, Betty Brock. They were married in 1964 and soon moved to Kinston, where he began a thirty-three year career with E.I. Dupont de Nemours & Co. He retired in 1998 to pursue his true passions – golfing, rooting for Duke, and spending time with his beloved bride of 62 years, his daughters, and extended family.

Harvey is survived by Betty, daughters Amy McLemore and Sara Thompson (Robert), and grandchildren Jenna McLemore, Edward Thompson, and Robert Thompson, Jr. He is also survived by his sister, Patsy Sugg, and brothers James (Frances), and David (Marsha), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Gwendolyn, and brother Larry.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the dedicated staff at Magnolia Cottage for their compassionate care and support. The family further wishes to thank 3HC Home Health and Hospice Care and Mauricia Wade’s dedicated group of caregivers, who all provided excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to Westminster United Methodist Church of Kinston. To honor Harvey’s lifelong love of golf, the family is certain he would encourage his friends to hit the links for a round or otherwise spend some quality time outdoors.

A visitation will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Westminster United Methodist Church in Kinston.