"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Deacon Emeritus Harvey Lee Rorie struck many poses during his lifetime: son, brother, student, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, Christian, and friend.

Harvey was born in Wadesboro, NC on April 17, 1929.  He was the first of two children born to the late Sam and Annie Bennett Rorie.  The quality of his character emerged during his youth, and he developed into a special individual who never met a stranger.

When Harvey was four years old, his family moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina where he became a lifelong resident.  His early education was in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System.  He was in the first class to graduate from Carver High School.  He served in the Administration office of the United States Army in the Korean War.

Wishing to continue his education, Harvey entered North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.  He chose English as his major field and also minored in Business Administration.  Further study was completed at North Carolina A&T State University where he earned his Master's Degree in Secondary Education.

Harvey began his career teaching English at Bladen Central High School in Elizabethtown, NC.  He later moved his family to Winston-Salem where he taught at both Hill and Glenn High School.  He retired in 1990 after 33 years of service.

Harvey recognized the quality of brotherhood and became affiliated with the Prince Hall Mason as a member of Olympic Lodge #795 Master Mason 32 ^nd on April 21, 1975.  He was also a former member of King Solomon Consistory #64.  He was a lifelong member of the North Carolina Association of Educators and a member of the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Retirees Association where he volunteered as a pen-pal and continued encouraging and inspiring youth.  He was also a volunteer and served on the Board of Directors for The Potter's House Community Outreach Ministry, Inc. for over 23 years.

Harvey was a lifelong member of the N.A.A.C.P. and the American Legion.  He enjoyed his community club, "Know Your Neighbor".  He lived in the North Wood Estates Community for over 55 years.  He took great pride in keeping his yard neat and tidy.  He was a pillar in his family, church, and community.

Deacon Harvey Rorie was a Charter Member of Zion Memorial Missionary Baptist Church where he was a lifelong member.  He served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher for the Adult Class, sang on the Gospel Choir, served as President of the Jacqueline Rorie Higgins Committee and was a member of the Laymen's League.  He served on the Trustee and Deacon Boards and was conferred the title of Deacon Emeritus in 2022 after serving faithfully for many years.

Harvey enjoyed traveling with his family and was blessed to visit Italy, Canada, London, France, Switzerland, Paris, Rome, The Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Mexico, Amsterdam, Germany, Puerto Rico, and many other countries. He enjoyed camping throughout the United States and he loved fishing and hunting.

Harvey was a committed family man and family was always his highest priority.  He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Geraldine Spaulding Rorie; two daughters, Dr. Valerie Rorie Bailey (Joel) and Cynthia Denise Rorie-Cain (Randell); seven grandchildren, Jillian Benson, Hamilton Cain, Janna Bailey, Grant Cain, Olivia Cain, Victoria Cain, and Preston Cain; two great-grandchildren, Bailey and Avery; one brother, Henry Tom Rorie, Sr.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Griffin, Lena Marie Adams, Lemuel Spaulding, George Spaulding (Henri), Carlton Spaulding (Ruby), Wilbert L. Spaulding (Catherine), and Clifton Spaulding (Walteria); as well as special student and family friend, Dr. Marvin Hall (Chris); and a host of other relatives.

Deacon Harvey Lee Rorie was a blessing and an ambassador for Christ to every person he met.  He always desired to have a positive impact on all he encountered. He will be dearly missed and his legacy will continue through the many loved ones he left behind.

A public viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Zion Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, 101 North Dunleith Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 with Bishop Sir Walter Mack, Jr. officiating and Pastor Randell Cain, Jr. eulogist.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Wednesday at the Church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Jacqueline Rorie Higgins Scholarship at Zion Memorial Missionary Baptist Church.