Doug Garvey, 87

Douglas B. Garvey, 87, of Three Rivers, and the Nettles Island Community on Hutchinson Island, in Jensen Beach, Florida, died Sunday, May 4, 2014 at Treasure Coast Hospice in Stuart, Florida.

Born in Muskegon Heights, he had been a winter resident or “Snowbird” at Nettles Island for 44 years.

Doug honorably served his country during the later part of World War II with the United States Army in Italy, where he was active in setting up the post war currency exchange there. While stationed there, he also played on the United States Army Football Team.

He created, established, and owned and operated GarV Manufacturing and Fastener Coatings in Three Rivers, for more than 50 years.

He was an avid surf fisherman, making his own fishing rods and tackle. He was often asked about his techniques, tackle, his favorite fishing spots, and where the “big ones” could be caught, enabling him to proudly share his knowledge and tradition.

He was an active member of both the Nettles Island Church and the Three Rivers Bible Church.

Doug also enjoyed gardening.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Beverly J. Garvey (nee Smith); his five children, Gae Garvey of Three Rivers, Michael (Kay) Garvey of Fort Myers, Fla, Mitchell (Lynelle) Garvey of Vicksburg, Joy Garvey of Three Rivers and Merri (Christopher) Garvey-Haines of Pass Christian, Miss.; one brother, Marshall (Fran) Garvey of Scottsdale, Ariz.; one sister, Sherri Sue Barnhill of Ludington; eight grandchildren, Carly (Courtney) Garvey-Jent, Joshua (Maria) Garvey, Benjamin Garvey, Garvey Douglas Haines, Max Haines, Julie Bailey, Gabe Bailey and Nicholas Bailey; and two great-granddaughters, Madison and Kai’lee Jent; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Willard Garvey; his sister, Joyce Eikenberry; and his grandson, baby Jacob Connor Haines.

Services and Inurnment will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 11 a.m., at the Three Rivers Bible Church, 220 N. Erie Street, Three Rivers, Michigan 49093, with Senior Pastor Jay Bailey presiding.

Contributions as a Memorial my be made to the Three Rivers Bible Church, or the Bair Lake Bible Camp, 12500 Prang Street, Jones, MI 49061.

Doug’s wife, Beverly, would sincerely like to thank her friends, neighbors of Nettles Island, and the Rev. L.C. Campbell, for their support and loving care, given so unselfishly during Doug’s recent illness. It was greatly appreciated and will always be remembered.