Harvey was born April 20th, 1939 to parents Earl and Audrey (Morgan) Kelley in Unionville MO. He and his parents moved several times while living in Putnam County, however, eventually moving back to Unionville where he graduated from high school in 1957. Being exposed to music at a very young age, Harvey came to love both country and bluegrass music. Becoming a musician himself, Harvey learned to play several instruments, including the string bass, guitar and his favorite, the banjo.

In 1958, he married Lois Brown, with which, they had their son Basil (Gene) Kelley. Throughout the next several years, Harvey found work in both Missouri and Iowa, first with several telephone companies including General Telephone Company in Unionville, MO and Northeast Missouri Rural Telephone in Green City, MO, then to Keystone, IA for Keystone Farmers Telephone Company.  In 1961 Harvey became manager of Farmers Mutual Telephone Company in Shellsburg, IA.

In 1967, just prior to moving to Sioux Falls, SD, Harvey applied for a job with the REA (Rural Electrification Ass.) where he became a field operation representative for rural telephone companies. He continued on that path of learning the regulatory and accounting aspects of the industry until 1973 when he was asked by Doug Martin to become a partner in "then" Martin & Associates.

Harvey then moved to Mitchell, SD where he met his wife Peggy L. Nemec.  He married Peggy in April of 1981 at their home in Mitchell. Together they raised their two sons Chad & Darin Nemec.

In 1999 Harvey and his partners sold the majority of their business holdings and he retired in 2000. Harvey enjoyed picking a tune, traveling in the RV and staying at their home in Deadwood. Most of All, he loved spending time with his family and pets. He was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and Corn Palace Shrine Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents Earl & Audrey, sister Methwee "Sissy" Coddington; brother Gene Kelley. Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Peggy, his children Gene (Sandra) Kelley, Chad (Yvette) Nemec, Darin (Kimberlee) Nemec); seven grandchildren Brandon, Morgan, Renea, Ace, Nichole, Teiler & Colby and four great-grandchildren Rylee, Marlee, Preslee & Lennon; mother-in-law Leola Wenz and brother and sister-in-law Allen (Shirley) Richardson. He is also survived by his many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Harvey was an amazing person who had such a positive impact on so many people's lives. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly.

In lieu of flowers memorials are to be directed to Mitchell Avera Hospice and Corn Palace Shrine Club.