Gene Douglas Harkey, 60, of Vale passed away peacefully with his family by his side, Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

He was born in Lincoln County, on April 11, 1965, and was the son of Judy Loftin Harkey of Lincolnton and the late Woodrow Darrell Harkey. Doug was a barber, taxidermist and butcher but his favorite job was being "Pop" to his granddaughter, Kennedy. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his grandparents Grady and Rachel Loftin, Hillard and Martha Leatherman and his father-in-law, Jim Houser.

He is survived by his wife of forty years, Michele Hull Harkey; two daughters, Jamie Harkey and Jessica Harkey both of Vale; granddaughter, Kennedy Dellinger of Vale; a brother, David "Charlie" Harkey of Vale; three sisters, Karen Queen and husband Larry, Julie Dunbar and husband Todd, and Janet Benton and husband Gray all of Lincolnton; mother-in-law, Joyle Houser of Vale. Doug was also survived by many family and friends who were like family to him.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeremy Mahaffey and Rev. Paul Simpson officiating. The family will great friends following the service.

Burial will follow at church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, Cleveland Central Camp, PO Box 322, Lattimore, NC 28089

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Fallston.