Harvey Tarver Niceley Jr.

Harvey Tarver Niceley, Jr., “Hank”, met his Lord in Heaven on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

He was born in Knoxville, TN on October 19, 1935, to Harvey Tarver Niceley, Sr. and Mildred Elizabeth Kelley Niceley. After graduating from Central High School, he went on to Carson-Newman College, graduating from CNC in 1957. After his marriage to Reba Dell Keith, Hank enrolled in graduate school at Peabody College of Vanderbilt. After graduate school and 2 years teaching art in public school and at Belmont College, he returned to Jefferson City with his wife and one son, Christopher Keith, to teach art in his Alma Mater, Carson-Newman College.

Soon after that, his second son, Victor Alan, was born. Later in his teaching career, Hank became head of the art department, where he remained until retirement. He wrote many articles for professional art journals and was often the speaker for some professional art meetings in various venues. Being an avid traveler, he took groups of his students on art study tours throughout Europe. He loved traveling, seeing new places, different people, and different ways of life. He had a deep appreciation for God’s beautiful world, and it gave him great joy to see it. With his wife and sons, he was able to visit all 50 states at least once, and he traveled on 6 of the 7 continents.

Hank lived a Christian life from childhood. One of his earliest memories was singing in church when he was about 4 years old. Some of his childhood games included playing church and baptism with his brother and sister. He never “preached” to his sons, but rather lived a life that led them both to become Christians in childhood. He loved God, loved his family, and loved people of all kinds.

With oncoming retirement, he began writing quite a bit of prose, publishing 12 books. His works included children’s books, some inspired by grandson, Tarver; devotional books for all ages; and nonfiction books for adults. Being an artist, he illustrated his books himself.

Hank also loved music, especially singing and playing his guitar. He became a prolific songwriter and produced several albums of his original songs. He sang regularly at nursing homes and assisted living homes. He was not timid about drawing an impromptu crowd with his songs and guitar wherever he might be, making happy times and new friends. He loved humor, laughter, and making people happy. One of his songs is very appropriate to his death: “Don’t cry for me. I have found eternal peace. I’m ‘Sitting at the Table of the Lord.’

Hank is preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, brother-in-law Roger Keith, sister Sylvia Niceley Markey, and son Chris. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Reba Dell Keith Niceley and his son Vic Niceley (Jodi), one grandson Tarver, brother James Niceley (Ginnie), and several loving and attentive nieces and nephews: Danny Niceley (Jeanna), David Markey, Donna Markey Blackwell (Bob), Gina Prieto, Spencer Prieto, Aaron Prieto, Cheryl Trimble (Frank), and Greg Keith.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026 in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church of Jefferson City. Friends may stay after the service and visit with the family.

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN