Dr. Harvey Birch Vanderford , age 102, died Friday, June 29, 2012 at Adams Place. A native of Maben, MS, he was the son of the late Robert William and Sarah Mize Vanderford. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Hazel Billingslea Vanderford, six brothers and four sisters. Dr. Vanderford is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Beth and Jerry Moore of Murfreesboro, one grandson, Stephen Moore and his wife Cherye of Virginia, one granddaughter, Laura Moore Vanderpool and her husband Johnny of Nashville, two great-grandchildren Madden and Maeleigh Moore and one brother, W. B. Vanderford of Maryland. Dr. Vanderford was a Professor Emeritus of Agronomy Soils at Mississippi State University. He received his BS (1934) and his MS (1939) degrees from Mississippi State University. He received his Ph.D from the University of Missouri in 1942. Dr. Vanderford was the author of two books: Soils and Land Use and Managing Southern Soils. In 1969 he was presented the Honor Society of Agriculture Gamma Sigma Delta Teacher of the Year Award. He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Starkville, MS for over 70 years. Dr. Vanderford lived in Oktibbeha County Mississippi from birth until 1994. At that time he and his wife moved to Hermitage, TN and lived at McKendree Village. In 2007, he moved to Murfreesboro, TN. Dr. Vanderford was known by family and friends as Vandy . He was the ultimate Southern Gentleman. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a man of honor, integrity, faith and family, and will always be remembered as one who remained true to his principles. Throughout his life, his love, sense of humor, and great compassion for his fellow man always brought joy to those around him. He was an avid gardener and he truly believed One is nearer Gods heart in a garden, than anywhere else on earth. The family wishes to thank the staff of Adams Place for their loving care of Dr. Vanderford. A Memorial Service will be Thursday, July 5, 2012, at 4:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, TN with visitation from 3 PM until the time of the service. The Reverend Thad Austin will officiate. The burial will be at Hermitage Memorial Gardens at 10:30 AM, Thursday, July 5, 2012. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, TN, First United Methodist Church in Starkville, MS or The H. B. Vanderford Soil Scholarship Fund at Mississippi State University (The MSU Foundation, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762). On line condolences may be made to www.woodfinchapel.com (615) 893-5151