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Thomas Harper Obituary
Knoxville - Thomas William Harper, born August 14, 1949, in Blount County, Tennessee, passed away at home on Sunday, May 16, 2021 of Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Tom grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School. He returned to East Tennessee to attend the University of Tennessee where he studied industrial engineering and was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
In Oct. 1979 Tom began dating Janet McCampbell, whom he swore he had been in love with since spotting her at the Fountain City Ballpark in 1961. After a whirlwind courtship, he convinced her to marry him, and did so on March 1, 1980 before she could change her mind. Shortly thereafter, Tom established Harper Porsche Audi Jaguar. Tom loved cars all of his life, and channeled that passion into the creation of Harper Auto Square, which encompasses 7 dealerships, 13 franchises, a body shop, and more classic cars than Tom would likely admit to. Tom proudly served as president of the Porsche and Audi Dealer Councils throughout the 1980's and 90's.
Silent in his constant generosity, Tom loved to help people, especially those in recovery, and was so forgiving of failures. He created a culture at the dealerships that honored relationships above all else, and treated his employees as he did his family, with love and respect. His daughter, Samma Bromley, and son, Shannon Harper, are carrying on the traditions of respect and integrity that Tom created at work and in life.
Tom will be remembered for his mastery of April Fools jokes, his love of Eric Clapton, his love for his family, his friendship with Bill W., and his great big smile that lit up the room.
Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Samma McCrary Harper, father, John Dickson Harper Sr., and brother, Rodgers McCrary Harper.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet, his daughter Samma Harper Bromley (Morgan), son Shannon McCrary Harper (Emily), and his five favorite people in the world, Dell Harper (9), Deeds (7) and Tommy Bromley (4), Charlotte (7) and Reynie Harper (5); his brother, John Dickson Harper, II (Caddy); sisters-in-law, Mary M. Bell (John), Trish M. Thompson, Bruce McCampbell (Elaine), Rebecca M. Fenn (Mark) and Rachael McCampbell (Curtis Stewart); many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as his much loved dogs, Dixie and Honey. We are grateful to UT Hospice and to Mary Sowell for making his final days more comfortable.
A memorial service led by Dr. Bill Barron and Rev. Mark Lampley will be held at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church at 3:00 PM, on Sunday, May 30th (masks are not required), with reception to follow in Barron Hall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the UT Medical Center Maternal Fetal Research Fund. Online memorials may be made by visiting utmedicalcenter.org/give-now/. Arrangements by Rose Funeral and Cremation - Mann. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Harper
Sponsored by Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann.
Phillip Weaver
May 30, 2021
Tom, Mr. Harper, was such a great man on many levels. I am blessed to be employed by him and is someone who genuinely cared about my overall well-being. I am truly grateful to Tom for the relationship him and I developed over the years. I will never forget the times he told me he loved me. I love him so much and I am already missing him and his presence.
I love you Shannon, Sama, Janet, and the entire Harper Family. May God Bless You All.
Danny Paransky
May 28, 2021
Tommy and I go back a lifetime and I always considered him to be a good example of what a human being should be. His real success was that he was a truly good person. As they say...”the real deal”and the single most patient and generous person I’ve ever known.
Danny Paransky
May 28, 2021
Tommy and I go back a lifetime and I always considered him to be a good example of what a human being should be. His real success was that he was a truly good person. As they say...”the real deal”and the single most patient and generous person I’ve ever known.
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Julia Bradley
May 25, 2021
Janet and family,
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to you all. One can only imagine Tom and my dad, Chris, zooming around heaven's roads in very sporty fashion! Mr. Harper was good to me, and I'm very glad that I knew him. My condolences to you all, Julia Bradley.
Susan Strey Selvidge
May 23, 2021
I never really, formally met Tom, but did get to see him a couple of times...I do know that the quality of work he expected of his employees is beyond outstanding! I always felt his presence in the work they did and how, to this day, they always make me feel while I’m there...am a long-standing customer on the VW side & appreciate the work ethic he demanded of his employees & the care... RIP Tom Harper...thank u for all u have done!
Michael S. Puncsak
May 23, 2021
I am glad that I had the opportunity to know Tom Harper.
Having casually known Tom--through the Jaguar dealership since about 1990--I remember the essence of the professional Tom which was based on the interests and nature of the personal Tom. He automatically went beyond the casual professional interactions immediately. Tom was preceded by his natural smile. He always sought eye contact, he listened--and Tom always heard you--as a person you were important to him rather than the other way around. Tom was always open to contact, concerned, helpful and respectful with the person he was engaged with. Sure, Tom didn't have to be this way. He certainly had many, many other 'more important' things he was dealing with at any time. Yet Tom was always open and sincere. He knew the importance of generic service, of being helpful, and that being himself was to key to a successful business and to life: For Tom Harper it was all about the people, all the people he touched....even a modest periodic customer as myself. I noticed, Tom. Thank you.
John Garrison
May 23, 2021
Tom was a fine man who will be sorely missed by many. My thoughts and prayers during this time of grief and loss are with the family.
Janis Hardin
May 22, 2021
What a Legacy he leaves! Praying for your entire family during this time of transition! Knowing GODS Comforting Arms will be surrounding you all! Shannon I only knew you and Tom, and I am so sorry for your Great loss.
Kimberly Houston
May 21, 2021
Tom you will always be affectionately "Papa Tom" to me. Thk you for always being a wonderful caring person a man of excellence integrity and warmth. We love you dearly and will miss you so much. Even though God had to take you home to heal your soul our hearts will never forget you ever. Prayers for Ms Janet Shannon Samma and family. This is a difficult loss.
Bill McCurdie
May 21, 2021
Tommy and I were classmates in Foster Elementary School in Pittsburgh. Here is a class photo of Mr. Dunbar's 5th grade class. I don't know why this one memory sticks with me, but I recall that he came into class one day (must have been after a physical) and proudly announced to Mr. Dunbar and the rest of the class that he had reached 100 lbs. Mr. Dunbar was the football coach of sorts. One can't miss him the photo although it looks like he's not sharing an inside joke!
Very sad to hear of his passing.
Robyn Brewer
May 20, 2021
I have driven an Audi since 2003. It met Mr. Harper at the dealership. I didn’t know who he was at the time. But I remember thinking that he was a very nice person with a big welcoming smile.
Ralph W. McCracken
May 20, 2021
As Linda and I reflect on Tom's recent passing, we are warmed by remembering his big INFECTIOUS smile as well as his nurturing laugh!
I have always considered Tom to be a good man, a loving husband & father, a "TRUE GENTLEMAN"'and a dear friend. As I also remember that Tom was about the only friend who continually called me "RUFUS" for years during & after our crazy days in the "FRAT"?
MANY GOOD & SPECIAL MEMORIES!
As we all mourn Tom's passing, we should also celebrate a LIFE lived to the MAX!
We will all miss him!
Rest in peace, Tom
Don Cox
May 20, 2021
Knoxville lost a great man. He will be sadly missed and dearly remembered for all that he did for our community. My prayers for his family.
John Hawk
May 20, 2021
I first met Tom in the early 80's. One of the kindest men I have ever known. He was truly one of a kind.
Mel Hines
May 20, 2021
A was a wonderful kind and generous man, that continuously carried a contagious smile. He always had time to say hello and have a conversation. He will certainly be missed.
Jeffrey Roberts
May 19, 2021
My condolences to the Harper family. Tom was truly one of the most caring, kind and generous people I have had the honor of knowing.
Irv Russotto
May 19, 2021
I knew Tom for about 40 years. He was a true gentleman. His legacy will live forever.
Rob Fiske
May 19, 2021
I am sorry to hear about Tom. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Gordon smith
May 19, 2021
So sorry for the loss,
KARAN GOODEN
May 19, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Amy Scates
May 19, 2021
You will be greatly missed.
Don Rubright
May 19, 2021
My condolences to the Harper family. I enjoyed working with Tom in the early 2000’s while I was the rep for Acura Financial Services. His compassion for his customers was extraordinary to say the least. Rest In Peace Tom.
Merrill Ammons
May 19, 2021
Thinking of you and your family. Many happy memories!!
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