Alvin Harper, Jr.

Alvin Harper, Jr., 81, of Harper Ridge in Kitts Hill, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at his residence. The Lawrence County, Ohio native was born November 18, 1930, the son of the late Alvin Harper, Sr. and Daisy Blankenship Harper. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Verna Mae Reed Harper. Mr. Harper was a graduate of Kitts Hill High School and was a bus driver for the Rock Hill School District. He was a former operator for the Semet Solvay for over 20 years and a Lawrence Township Trustee for over 30 years. He was an avid farmer and sportsman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: a son: Douglas Harper a grandson: Randall Lee Harper a brother: Garfield Harper 3 sisters: Louise Lamneck, Opal Queen and Mable Payton In addition to his wife, he is survived by: 4 sons and daughters-in-law: Randy and Tomi Harper, Dwain and Becky Harper, Lynn and Debbie Harper, and Mark and Mary Harper all of Kitts Hill; a daughter and son-in-law: Janie and Kurt Weldy of Grove City, Ohio; a daughter-in-law: Sheilah Harper of Kitts Hill; 6 sisters: Mary Myers of Columbus OH; Hazel O'Lynch of Florida; Wilma Moore, Evelyn Rowe, Helen McIntire all of Kitts Hill; and Glenna Harper of Ironton; 14 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2012, at Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 South Seventh Street, Ironton, Ohio with close family friend, Pastors Scott Jenkins and Ryan McKee officiating. Burial will follow in Harper Family Cemetery and visitation will be Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at Mamre Missionary Baptist Church in Kitts Hill. Pallbearers will be Randy Harper, Dwain Harper, Lynn Harper, Mark Harper, Shane Harper, Dustin Harper, Tyler Stapleton, and Adam Harper. The family would like to give a special thanks to Heartland Hospice and their staff for the tremendous care and support they provided to Alvin and the family. To view the video tribute, please click on the following link http://videos.lifetributes.com/292395