The death, on March 20, 1981, of William Brantley Harvey, Sr. brought to a close the career of a most able and beloved attorney.
Born June 5, 1893, in Hampton, South Carolina, he was the son of Dr. Joseph B. Harvey and Ella Causey Harvey. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with honors in 1923, receiving B.S. and LL.B. degrees.
He practiced law in Beaufort until shortly before his death. He served in the House and Senate from Beaufort County for 24 years. He was Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Education Committee, the Fish and Game Committee, and of the Joint Legislative Committee. He was President of the Beaufort County Bar and, in 1952, he was President of the South Carolina Bar. He was President of the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, a founder of the Beaufort Museum, was instrumental in saving the Lafayette House and was Post Commander of the American Legion.
He was a Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Board of Deacons, and Treasurer of his church.
Brantley Harvey possessed many qualities — devotion for his family, love of people, loyalty to friends, compassion for the unfortunate and suffering, charity and forgiveness toward his enemies, and a warm personality. Although small of physical stature, he towered above others.