Harvey Sutherland Jr.

Vernon Harvey “Harv” Sutherland II, a lifelong agricultural professional, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at the age of 96. He was born on September 18, 1929, in a rented farmhouse at 130 Belleview Road, near Shelbyville in Shelby County, Kentucky, to Vernon Harvey Sutherland and Ramie Novella Collett Sutherland. Mr. Sutherland was raised within the rhythms of rural life, where he cultivated a strong respect for the land, dedicated workmanship, the practices of trapping and hunting, and the core values of family and community. His early years were notably influenced by the hardships experienced during the Great Depression. From an early age, he brought a deep understanding of the responsibilities and rewards associated with agricultural life, a vocation that profoundly influenced his entire career. Together with his son Alan, Harv has managed a dairy operation, cultivating all the corn and hay necessary for livestock feed, maintaining fences, and dedicating over seven decades to this enterprise. Harv maintained a substantial tobacco base of approximately 13 acres (about half the area of Chicago's Millennium Park), at times, which needed significant manual labor. He consistently upheld the traditions passed down to him, tending to the land with diligence and perseverance. His achievements are reflected not in distances traveled, but in the acreage planted, harvests gathered, and the generations he supported and mentored. Individuals who were acquainted with Harv recall him as a figure of quiet fortitude, practical insight, and notable generosity. He was respected for his dependability, readiness to aid others, and the composed, reassuring demeanor he contributed within his community. Through his agricultural work, ability to keep equipment, and his recollections of past experiences, Harv exemplified the values associated with American farming: resilience, humility, and a strong connection to his environment. Harv placed the highest importance on his faith and family. He took genuine pride in the achievements of his children and grandchildren, imparting valuable lessons gained from years of dedicated work. His legacy endures both through the land he kept and through the principles and values he instilled in his successors. Harv was an active participant in the Christiansburg Baptist Church, serving for many years as a board member, song leader, and consistently dedicating his time and resources to church activities. Vernon Harvey “Harv” Sutherland II will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, steadfast commitment to agriculture, and the resolute character that distinguished his long and impactful life. Among his achievements, Mr. Sutherland was honored as Farmer of the Year in Shelby County’s highly regarded agricultural community. He also received second place recognition for keeping one of the most beautiful farms in the county, and together with his wife, was named a Kentucky Colonel. Harv’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him, not only for his steadfast presence and unwavering work ethic, but for the wisdom and kindness he shared so freely with friends, neighbors, and extended family. His life stands as a testament to the quiet power of service, the importance of integrity, and the deep bonds that sustain a community through generations. As those who loved him gather to honor his legacy, they will remember a man whose gentle spirit and enduring values shaped the lives around him and left an indelible mark on the fields, the church pews, and the hearts he leaves behind. Vernon Harvey (Harv) Sutherland II was an only child, his wife the late Anita Mitchell Sutherland gone ahead on March 16, 2024, they were married on January 20, 1949, at the Christiansburg Baptist Church, they had celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary just two months before she passed . The couple had two children, a daughter, Alana Sutherland Rutherford (Jerry D Rutherford) of Scottsburg, Indiana and a son, John Alan Sutherland (Beverly A Taylor Greenwell) of Bagdad; Harv had a very warm relationship with his granddaughter, Tonja Davis Clifton (Charles F Clifton II), his grandson Jonathon Alan (Jon) Thurman (Amber Nicole Smith), and he suffered the devastating loss of his oldest grandson, at the age three, Matthew Alan Sutherland ( 1985-1988); his great-grandchildren, Nathan Charles Clifton (Katie Raquel Morin), Mitchell Alan Clifton (Ashley Rose Webb Clifton), Annie Grace Clifton Sechler (Elijah Lynn Sechler), Kelli Marie Clifton Lopesilvero (Brandon Alexander Lopesilvero) and Lucy Grace Thurman, great great-granddaughters, Millie Modelle Clifton, Riley Kate Lopesilvero, Miles Harvey Clifton (Unborn) (parents Mitchell and Ashley Clifton; Step-great- grandchildren are Jude Miller, Gage Miller, his step-grandchildren , Dawn Rutherford White (Anthony (Archie) White) and Sommer Rutherford Elliott (Ian Lane Elliott); Brian Matthew Clark, Brett Maxwell Clark (Molly Lee Southwood Clark), Collin Lee Lewis, Jerrika Dawn Lewis, Isaiah Chandler Elliott, Addison Layne Elliott, Isaac Cooper Elliott; and his six step-great- great grandchildren, Laikyn Nichole Clark, Lillien Angela Mae Clark, Noah Matthew Clark, Layla Grace Clark, Reigna Eleanor Lucille Bowling, and Owen Maxwell Clark. The writer wishes to express the following: The passing of my father-in-law is a profound loss. I was honored to know him and to consider him part of my family. Over the years, he and his wife Anita became more than just in-laws; they were a trusted friend, a reliable presence, and people whose wisdom and kindness left a lasting impact on my life. He exemplified quiet strength, shaped by years of dedication, commitment to his family, and a deep sense of responsibility. Whether sharing conversations, collaborating on tasks, or simply enjoying quiet moments together, I always valued his company. I will long remember his warmth, guidance, and the respect he extended to everyone around him. His legacy endures through his family and the meaningful lessons he imparted to us all. Though his absence is deeply felt, the memories we created will remain with me. I will cherish their gift to me, Alana, my beautiful wife, is the best, most caring gift they could pass-on in life. Thanks, Harv and Anita! Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, with service to follow at 1:00 pm on Monday February 23, 2026, at Christiansburg Baptist Church in Bagdad, Shelby County.

Harvey Sutherland Jr.

September 18, 1929 - January 27, 2026