Harvey Joe Thigpen

         Graveside services for Harvey Joe Thigpen, 94, of Lufkin, will be held Friday, July 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Garden of Memories Memorial Park in Lufkin with Pastor Jacob Fitzgerald and Bro. Mike Windsor officiating.

          Mr. Thigpen was born on July 4, 1930, in Pollok, Texas, to the late H.S. Hobb Thigpen and Maurine Hampton Thigpen, and died Friday, July 19, 2024, in Lufkin.

          Harvey’s life was characterized by his integrity, willingness to serve, dedication to family, and duty to country. He was the eldest of seven siblings and served his mother and siblings faithfully after his father passed away when he was twenty-four years old. Upon his father’s death, Harvey returned home to take care of his family after serving his country in the United States Air Force, including a tour in Germany during the Korean War. Harvey met and married the love of his life Jimmie in 1955 and became a devoted father to his beloved children- Rocky and Ricky. Harvey and Jimmie were married for 68 years, during which they welcomed seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Harvey spent his  career working in construction, where he served as a Superintendent for Temple Associates and Tribble and Stephens. He was an avid, lifelong deer hunter who was known for his marksmanship and enjoyed hunting trips with his brothers, sons, and grandsons. He was a member of Denman Avenue Baptist Church and was a faithful member of his bible study class throughout his life. Even at ninety-four years old, you could find him mowing grass at the T7 Farm in Pollok on the weekends, one of his favorite activities.

          He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rocky and Terri Thigpen of Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, Ricky and Darla Thigpen of Lufkin; grandson and wife, Alan and Marca Thigpen of Huntington; grandson and wife, Jacob and Michelle Thigpen of Adkins, TX; grandson and wife, Austin and Ainsley Thigpen of Lufkin; grandson and wife, Zachary and Kaley Thigpen of Purdy, MO; granddaughter and husband, Victoria and Aaron Grappe of San Antonio, TX; grandson and wife, Blake and Alexa Williams of Longview, TX; grandson, Ryan Williams of Lufkin; great-grandson, Carter Williams of Lufkin, TX; great-grandson, Thierry Thigpen of Purdy, MO; great-grandson, Philip Thigpen of Purdy, Mo; great-grandson, Harvey “Hobb” Thigpen of Purdy, MO; great-grandson, Sawyer Thigpen of Lufkin;  great-grandson, Tripp Thigpen of Huntington; great-grandson, Hank Thigpen of Huntington; great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Williams of Lufkin; great-granddaughter, Sutton Thigpen of Lufkin; great-granddaughter, Ryan Thigpen of Adkins, TX; great-granddaughter, Sadie Thigpen of Adkins, TX; great-granddaughter, Adeline Grappe of San Antonio, TX; and great-granddaughter, Lilah Kay Grappe of San Antonio, TX; along with many cherished family members.

          He was preceded in death by his wife Jimmie; parents; brothers Alvis and Donald Thigpen.

          Pallbearers will be grandsons, Alan Thigpen, Jacob Thigpen, Austin Thigpen, Zachary Thigpen, Blake Williams, Ryan Williams, and Aaron Grappe.

          Special memorials may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W Frank Ave, Lufkin, TX 75904, of Denman Ave Baptist Church, Touching Eternity Fund,  1807 E. Denman Ave. Lufkin, TX 75901.

          Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Elwyn M. Gipson Memorial Chapel located at the Garden of Memories Memorial Park in Lufkin.

Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.