Robert L. Harper

November 21, 1932 - August 17, 2017

Mr. Robert L. Harper, age 84, of Douglas passed away early Thursday morning, August 17, 2017, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Harper was born November 21, 1932 to the late Jake Harper and the late Lillia Youngblood Harper Barrett. Other than his parents, he was preceded In death by 2 Step-Brothers, Donald Spell and David Hugh Spell. Mr. Harper, a native of Irwin County, was a retired Cabinet Builder and had last worked with the Coffee County School System in the Maintenance Department. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. Mr. Harper enjoyed his family and church family. Mr. Harper was a member of Parkview Holiness Church. Survivors include: His wife of 62 Years: Josephine Spell Harper of Douglas, GA 1 Son: DeWayne Harper of Douglas, GA 1 Daughter: Rhonda Anderson and her husband Robert of Nicholls, GA 2 Brothers: Othel Harper of Alma, GA and Vinnin Harper of Nicholls, GA 1 Sister: Audrey Corbitt Burke of Lenox, GA Half Sister: Darlene Harper of Jacksonville, FL 3 Step Sisters: Mary Lou Gillespie and her husband Carlton of Douglas, GA Yvonne Spivey of Axson, GA and Lenora Barley and her husband Phil of Huffer, GA 1 Sister-In-Law: Irma Lou Spell of Nicholls, GA 4 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and a Host of Friends The funeral service was held Sunday, August 20, 2017, at 2:00 P.M. at the Chapel of Ricketson Funeral Home with Rev. Ben Culpepper and Rev. Kyle Taft officiating. The interment followed in Chatterton Cemetery. Active Pallbearers were: Byron Gillespie, Bradley Gillespie, Jerome Steptoe, Rodney Steptoe, Bruce Spell and Brent Burnam. Honorary Pallbearers were: Bobby Nettles, Rudolph Merritt, Donald Stevens, Rev. Herschell Smith, Stanford Soles, Joe Musgrove, Grady Bennett and Gerald “Pud” Wright. Special Musical Selections, “If I Leave Before You” and “Carry Me Jesus”, were presented by the Soloist, Johnny Selph, with Jennifer Culpepper, at the Keyboard, “Daddy On His Knees”, was presented by the Soloist and Musician, Jennifer Culpepper. At the Graveside, “In The Sweet By And By”, was presented by Ashley Spell, on the Guitar and Heather Merritt, on the Mandolin. “Pre-Lude” and “Post-Lude” soft hymns were rendered by Jennifer Culpepper, on the Keyboard. Ricketson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.