Fletcher Evans Harvill

Fletcher Evans Harvill, age 95, of Clarksville, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021, at his residence.  Evans was born January 24, 1926, the only child of Halbert and Catherine Harvill and was a lifelong resident and advocate of Clarksville, TN.  His enthusiasm for the town, its residents, businesses and, of course, his beloved Austin Peay State University (APSU) were renowned. 

A lifetime proponent of public education, Evans attended public schools in Clarksville from K-12 before joining the US Army Air Force (1943-45) to do his part during World War II.  Upon returning from the war, he completed his undergraduate studies at APSU ’47, where he was inducted into the Pi Kappa Phi Honor Society as well as a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Social fraternity.  He then graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1949, where he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity.    

After law school, Evans returned to Clarksville and for nearly a half-century, practiced with Daniel, Harvill, Batson & Nolan law firm.  For the remainder of his esteemed legal career, he was of counsel to Harvill, Ross, Hogan & Ragland of Clarksville, TN.  His many career accolades include being a member of the Tennessee Bar Association (President in 1979-80); the Tennessee Bar Foundation; the American Bar Association; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; Justice of Special Supreme Court (Tennessee).

The civic contributions by Evans were numerous in his beloved City of Clarksville, including Clarksville Junior Chamber of Commerce (President, 1957-58; Distinguished Service Award, 1956; Boss of the Year, 1985 and 1996); fifteen years on the City of Clarksville Board of Zoning Appeals (Chairman 1993-2001); and the Clarksville Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees (1954-1990). Statewide, he was a member of the Tennessee Junior Chamber of Commerce (National Director, 1958-59); and the Tennessee Board of Regents (1991-1998, serving as its Vice-Chair 1994-1995); and the Tennessee Humanities Council (1998-2002). 

His commitment to military service and our nation’s veterans was unwavering once he returned from WWII.  He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 7 (Commander, 1954-55); a Civilian Aide to Secretary of the Army for Tennessee (1994-2004); belonged to the Veterans Service Organization (1988-2005); received the Department of the Army’s Outstanding Civil Service Medal in 2004; and a member of the Tennessee Military Affairs Commission (2001-2007). 

Above all, Evans inherited from his parents a reverence for education and its ability to transform lives.  His father, Halbert Harvill, served as the President of Austin Peay from 1946-1966, and Evans proudly championed the university over the course of his entire life. He was President of the APSU Alumni Association; served on the Tennessee Board of Regents’ Selection Committee for APSU Presidents; was the 2004 recipient of the APSU Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy; was bestowed the George Mabry Ovation Award in 2017; helped launch the Mabry Concert Hall project on campus; and, established several endowed scholarships.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Sherri Ann Moore Harvill; stepdaughter, Denise Greenwood; stepsons A.B. “Beau” Greenwood, Jr and his wife Sheila; Kyle Greenwood and his wife, Beverly; grandchildren Ford Richmond, Tucker Richmond, Patrick Greenwood, A.B. “Tripp” Greenwood, III, Cooper Greenwood, Grace Greenwood; as well as his daughter Catherine Evans “Kitty” Harvill.  He is predeceased by his parents and first wife, Peggy Douglas Harvill.

The legacy of Evans Harvill cannot be understated.  He was larger than life and never knew a stranger.  He was well known for his quick wit, infectious laughter, love of Western movies, brilliant legal mind, passion for Vanderbilt and Austin Peay, dissertations on Democratic politics, affection for his beloved dogs, his willingness to help those in need, and his undying love and commitment to his wife, Sherri, friends and family.   

Visitation hours will be observed on Sunday, May 16, 2021, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home.  A separate visitation will be observed on Monday, May 17, 2021, at 12:00 to 1:00 PM at Madison Street United Methodist Church.  Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM Monday, May 17, 2021, also at Madison Street United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to APSU University Advancement – PO Box 4417 – Clarksville, TN or Madison Street United Methodist Church.

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