Chef Alvin Harvey: A Beloved Jacksonville Figure Passes Away, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Generosity and Kindness

Chef Alvin Harvey, a beloved Jacksonville figure known for his annual Thanksgiving feast that fed hundreds of people, passed away at the age of 72. His funeral service will take place on Wednesday, March 27 at Julington Baptist Church on Snyder Street, just north of Bartram Springs.

In November 2018, Harvey was preparing to distribute 500 free Thanksgiving turkeys and all the fixings in the Brentwood neighborhood. His generosity was widely recognized and appreciated in the community, where he was loved for his giving spirit. Beyond Jacksonville, Harvey also made a significant impact through his travels in 2005 when he journeyed to Louisiana with a group to provide aid to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Harvey was a firm believer in helping others and often spoke about the importance of empathy and understanding. He once said, “If I reach down to pull you up, I want to feel your pain because we are all just one paycheck away from being homeless.” Harvey is survived by his wife Nancy, two daughters, and two sons.

The loss of Chef Alvin Harvey is deeply felt by the community he served so selflessly. His legacy of generosity and kindness will live on through the lives he touched and the meals he provided to those in need.