Rev. Pervice Hardaway

Elder A. Pervice Hardaway was born in Athens, TN on September 13, 1958 to Overseer G. and Stella Mae Hardaway. He made his heavenly transition peacefully in Athens, TN on March 22, at the age of 56 years old.

He is preceded in death by his parents Overseer G. and Stella Mae Hardaway of Athens, TN; Sister Gatha Hardaway – Smith of Leeds AL; Nephew, Elder G. LaBron Smith of Leeds, AL; Father in law Tilman Lowe from Cleveland, TN.

Pervice, or “Pervy” as he was affectionately known, started his schooling in the Athens City School system where his love for basketball began. He was a graduate of McMinn County High School. After graduating from McMinn, he attended Tennessee Wesleyan College and continued his basketball career. He earned his B.S. in Physical Education. He later went on to earn his M.A and Ed.S in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University. Pervy was a former employer of Bowater Paper Mill in Charleston, TN and was employed by the McMinn County School system for over two decades.

Pervy was known for his authentic songwriting and arranging abilities. He began as a church musician under his father, Overseer G. Hardaway. He was the founder of The Voices of Victory, a choir that traveled across the country. They performed on The Bobby Jones Show and the Gospel Music Workshop of America. They recorded an album titled, “That’s Just Like Jesus”. This hit song was the most requested song on the local radio for over a year. Pervy succeeded his father as pastor of The Agape Center AOH Church of God in 1996 until the present.

A pastor and minister in Athens, Tennessee for more than 20 years, A. Pervice Hardaway was a spiritual shepherd and community leader, willing and able to help anyone in need. Friends and family know him as a Christian gentleman with love for everyone and a humble spirit. To those in need, he was a friend. To the lost, he offered guidance. Through his example, he inspired others. He exemplified the practicality of the gospel and how it could change people's life and change their circumstances. A true shepherd of the word of God, Pervy had an enormous impact on people through his genuine and down to earth persona and the true ability to comfort those in need. His outgoing personality and love for people allowed him to connect with young and old alike and also allowed him to connect the word of the Lord to all. He had a deep passion for music, teaching, sports, and family. His love for family and friends was true and vast. He relished spending time with his wife, siblings, children, nieces, nephews, grandson and dear friends as this brought great joy to his life. His legacy of kindness, laughter, mentoring and holiness will stay with those of whom he shepherded forever.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia Joy Hardaway; Sons: J. Marty Lowe (Donna), and Abraham (A.P.) Hardaway II; Daughters: Angel, Ashley and Abriel Hardaway; One brother: Dr. Vant Hardaway, D. Min (Dr. Janice, D. Min) of Athens, TN; One sister: Evangelist Rhoda Trainer of Fayetteville, NC; Mother in law: Mary Catherine Lowe of Cleveland, TN; One grandson: Mason Kennedy Lowe.Four Sisters in law; Cathy Oliver, Gwillen Lowe, Sherry Lowe-Cooke (Norman), Lavenia Wells; Three Brothers in law; Alphonza Lowe (Gloria), Kenneth Lowe Sr. (Stella) and Timothy Lowe (Annette) Eleven Nieces; Vanessa Hardaway, Julie Hardaway, Rianne Trainer, Ashia Jennings, Krystal Lowe, Kestrell Lowe, DeSharon Lowe, Tanille Willis, Larissa Ortez, Melissa Wells, Keisha WellsTwelve nephews; Wesley Trainer; Donnie Lowe (Jamie), Shane, Shon, and Triston Lowe, Justin Ward, Christian Oliver, Kenneth Lowe Jr., Jared Lowe, Lorenzo Lowe, Marcus Cooke, Lamar Wells. And a host of family and friends; The Agape Center A.O.H Church of God family, The A.O.H Church of God Incorporated, Fellow Pastors, Ministers, and Brothers in Christ, Riceville Elementary School faculty and staff, Ray Marshall , Phillip Cook, Mike Frazier and the entire Athens community and surrounding areas.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Woodward Ave Church of God Athens, Tn. with Bishop Grover Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Athens, Tn. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm. until 7:00 p.m Friday March 27, 2015. at M.D. Dotson & Sons Funeral Home – Athens, Tn.

A. Pervice Hardaway Gospel Music Fund
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked if you desire to make a meaningful contribution, please send any donations to:
Citizens National Bank Financial Center
PO Box 220
Athens TN 37371-0220
(423)745-0261