Robert A. Harper

Robert A. Harper, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, preeminent lawyer passed away on April 23, 2013. He was a courageous fighter in the courtroom, as well as in life. Robert was born on August 15, 1946 in Milton, Florida. He was birthed by his Uncle Rhett Enzor, a country doctor who delivered hundreds of babies in Okaloosa, Florida.

Robert, a soft spoken southern gentleman, will be forever remembered for his kindness, wit, and generosity. A member of a pioneer family, he was a direct descendant of Jesse Carter Allen, the first sheriff of the Florida territory, Santa Rosa County.

A Captain in the U.S. Army, he was an expert marksman which was the result of a childhood growing up amongst the woodlands of Northwest Florida. A brilliant lawyer, he was respected by judges, his peers and clients alike. While attending the University of Florida, he was recognized in Who's Who in Florida Blue Key, President of Alpha Tau Omega, founder of a law clerk program, and participated with Legal Aid and Defender Clinic, and recognized in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. A Board Certified Appellate/Criminal Lawyer, his accomplishments in the legal field have been recognized by Who's Who in America (1997-present), " Florida's Top Lawyers", Florida's Legal Elite, and Florida Trend Magazine's "Super Lawyers." His public service included The Innocence Project (Board of Directors), Judicial Nominating Commission, and the Guardian Ad Litem program. He served as a founding Officer of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

He always said his children were his greatest blessing. Love and laughter prevailed in the Harper home. Robert was a dedicated Rosarian and served as the past President of the Tallahassee Rose Society. He could catch a bird by the wing, knowing the names and birdsongs of native birds and could identify almost any native species of tree or flower. He would sew a pair of ballet shoes as well as a baseball uniform. He built scenery for school plays, coached Little League and supported the Arts. He also enjoyed hand-raising koi. He was a history buff and researched deeply the lives of the founding fathers of this country with whom he felt a kinship.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 35 years, Jill, and his three children, Robert Augustus Harper III (Adria), Myriah (John) and Alexandra (Christopher) and his grandchildren Greyson Lee, Robert Ethan, Camden Michael and Juliet Rose, who melted him when they called him "Grandbobby."

We would like to thank all of our friends who selflessly shared in our lives and our children's lives.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. Harper, Sr., and Ida Frances Allen, and his sister, Betsy Harper. He is survived by his sister Nan Harper and numerous relatives.

Services will be held10:00 AM, Friday, April 26, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church, 110 N. Adams Street, Tallahassee, interment will follow at MeadowWood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Innocence Project of Florida (1100 Park Avenue East Tallahassee, Florida 32301) in Robert's name, which will support his belief that the judicial system must be challenged, or to the Tallahassee Rose Society (7020 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32311).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Apr. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Harper

69 Entries

Steven Rutledge

April 19, 2025

Well, its been about 12 years now. I still remember Bob like it was yesterday. I would count him as a good friend even though he was a defense attorney and I was a deputy sheriff. We shared many laughs, quite a few drinks and he left me with great memories. However, when I was in the witness chair, he was a total professional. Fair but he knew how to find the truth. My continued condolences to his family. I still think of Bob frequently. I hope everyone is well.

Juliet O´Brien

October 9, 2024

That was my grandpa!! i miss you!!

Donald Prokes

April 19, 2024

Bob Harper was my College roommate at the University of Florida. A great person and a great friend, I miss him.

Paul Bilzerian

December 15, 2021

I moved out of the US before Bob passed away so I am sorry I was not there to timely pay my respects. Bob represented me a long, long time ago. At our first meeting he told me: "If I am to represent you in this case, you have to understand the first and most important rule: the government always wins. If you can accept that I am ready to go." That was the first accurate statement I heard from any and all of my lawyers. Fight the fight but always be realistic. The game was rigged but Bob and I did what we could. He was smart, pleasant, hardworking and, unlike his opponents, honest and decent. Rest In Peace Bob. I will join you soon enough.

Ron Sachs

April 19, 2020

Even these several years after the loss of this great man, his legacy is strong and alive in his positive forever impact on his wonderful family, friends, profession, community and our world. God Bless You all, Jill and Family.

J.B. Boyden

April 19, 2019

Miss you Bob!

Dennis McCool

April 16, 2014

I just today learned of this terrible loss. Bobby was a childhood friend and role model. He was indeed a "man of value" giving more to life than he expected in return.
My heart breaks for Nan, his wife and family who had already experienced too much loss.
My deepest condolences.

Ron Schram

March 30, 2014

Jill-
Please accept my sincere and deepest sympathy for your loss. Bob was a wonderful guy, a great attorney and a good friend. I was shocked to just read of his passing online and saddened that so many years have passed since speaking to him. His obituary and the touching comments from friends and colleagues tell a story of a life well lived, though ended too soon. I was also saddened to read that Betsy had also passed.
May your loving family and wonderful memories continue to offer you solace. All my very best wishes.

Ron Sachs

December 24, 2013

Dear Harper Family --

In this holiday season, I wanted to extend my warmest best wishes, and heartfelt prayers, for all of you as you find joy in this time, even with your loss of Bob surely still causing understandable aches. I only knew Bob by reputation -- and by meeting him a few times, dating back to my college days at UF in Gainesville. But he was a distinguished gentleman, brilliant attorney -- and clearly a very devoted family man. Any time that I saw Bob in public with his family -- Jill and/or children -- he was always beaming. God bless you as you keep his memory alive in your lives. Surely, a lifetime of so many good memories should provide some comfort. But I am so very sorry for your loss and wish you much new happiness and good health in the days and years ahead.

All my best,

Ron Sachs

Jason Ramrattan

October 7, 2013

Mr Harper was a wonderful and admirable gentleman who carried himself with a sense of dignity and and nobility. I will remember him fondly and pray that he has found peace. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife and children who basked greatest in the glow of his radiance, May God bless him.

Betsy and Bernie Daley

September 4, 2013

Jill,
Just learned this sad news. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Peace to you and your beautiful family.

Mac & Kathy McCauley

August 27, 2013

I just heard of this sad news
I just want to add our sympathies.Bob (&Jill) married us in Gainesville at their home on Univ Ave 32 years ago. Thanks and love to his family

Doug Cook

July 15, 2013

Bobby was a truly remarkable and admirable man.A brilliant attorney ,he was also a kind and generous friend. Bobby appreciated the complexity of the human condition and always responded compassionately to his fellow man.He and Jill built a strong and wonderful family and looked for every opportunity to give back to others.Better than any man I know Bobby, led a wonderful life.Doug Cook Tallahassee

Enrique Trevino

June 18, 2013

I only met Mr. Harper briefly, but my first impression of him was that he was a hard working man, and most of all an honest man.

Beth, Britton , Bella Rose Cook

June 8, 2013

We just found out and are so sad. We are sending you all love and light!

June 8, 2013

JILL SORRY FOR YOUR LOST!
ANDY
CHARLOTTE NC

Jonathan Kester

June 8, 2013

Mr. Harper was such a kind and loving person, in all honesty, I did not know that there were people like him in the world before meeting him. As far as I am concerned, the world is lesser without him. I love you and miss u Bob, you are my hero and friend.

Linda Miklowitz

May 3, 2013

Remembering Robert A. Harper in both Gainesville and Tallahassee as a crusading attorney. Sending sympathy to Jill and family for your loss.

Bruer Boyden

May 1, 2013

Jill and family,I'm shocked and sorry with sadness to hear about Bob. He will be missed. You and Bob are friends that go back in time.

hannah

May 1, 2013

What a terrible loss. Bob was one of the most wise and loving men I have ever known. His presence in any room no matter how large was felt in every corner. Bob, my mama died within days of you so please represent her when she gets in trouble. You graced my life thank you for that.

Mina Bamonte (Riley)

April 30, 2013

I have such dear, sweet memories of Bobby from Milton Hight School. He was always a gentleman, even as a teenager. How rare! May God richly bless those left behind.

Dan Johns

April 28, 2013

Bob defended me after my first DUI and I thank him for that.

Carol Holmes

April 27, 2013

So sorry to hear of Bobby's passing. I remember him as a smart person with the most penetrating dark eyes. I remember him enjoying a beautiful Thunderbird (56 or 57) convertible. I remember him helping some of my friends out of legal scrapes in Gainesville. I remember him saying that he really wanted to be a physician. It seems like he made the correct choice in careers. He will be missed.

Ann & Sherri Tucker

April 27, 2013

With sincere sympathy to the Harper family

Newell Walls

April 27, 2013

My condolences to the Harper family. You were very lucky to have had such a wonderful man in your lives. Bob's skills as a lawyer helped our family and he became a friend. Rest in Peace.

April 27, 2013

I think we lost a very good man. My heart goes out to the family.

Dick Thompson

April 27, 2013

I am so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I first met him at UF when he was a freshman, and immediately liked him. We did not stay in contact after our UF days, but I sometimes read of his legal exploits in the newspaper. Just recently, I was looking through some old UF yearbooks, and ran across a candid picture of him taken at a student government meeting (about 1965 or so).

My sympsthy to the family. May God blees you and guide you as you go through this period of loss and grief.

Charles Chestnut III

April 26, 2013

My condolences to the Harper family.

Rosa Williams

April 26, 2013

To my dear friend Bob Harper, Thank you for all of your support through out the years. Your dedication to defending the rights of the people can not be surpassed. You will be greatly missed. God bless the Harper family.
Sincerely, Rosa B. Williams and family.

Len Register

April 26, 2013

I had the privilege of practicing law with Bob since our first case together more than 30 years ago. He was always a gentlemen and a fine advocate for his client. I'm saddened to learn of his passing.

Richard Bush

April 26, 2013

Bobby was a lawyer's lawyer. He loved his family, as you well know. His legal prowess is what I will draw upon. His smile is what I will most remember. Good Bye Friend.

Michael Jones

April 26, 2013

It's hard to imagine a world without Bobby Harper in it. I met him when I was 17 and he a junior in college. He was a friend ever since. We watched the first moon landing together while in basic training. Our condolences to his family, but remember, through Robert Augustus Harper II, you're part of our family, let us know if there is anything we can do.

Jack Green

April 26, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss Jill, Gus, Alex, Myriah & the Harper family. He was a great man and a great neighbor. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steve Rutledge

April 26, 2013

I sat in the witness chair facing Bobby and endured some of the most skillful cross that I have experienced. Bobby made me a better law enforcement officer and an even better witness. You could go toe to toe with him and then share a cocktail together later that evening, great conversation, a renaissance man. He accomplished a lot of things later in his life as his family demonstrates. I'm so sorry he had to leave you. Bobby and I did keep in touch, sporadically and I'm glad we did. Go in peace brother.

Sheila Meehan

April 26, 2013

Bob was an incredibly kind man with such a good heart. One day he brought roses to the office for everyone. The beautiful rose bush is growing in our yard now. What a wonderful way to remember him. He will be missed by so many.

Trisha Shannon

April 26, 2013

So sorry to hear Mr Harper passed away today. He was the best employer I have ever had the pleasure of working under and learned so much from him. The legal system has definately lost one of the best lawyers ever!! Sorry I missed the funeral as I just found out. I really wish I could have been there to pay my respects to your family.

Thomas Bell

April 26, 2013

Bob and I were ATO fraternity brothers at the University of Florida. Upon graduation from the UF Law School, I had the privilege of being Bob's law clerk. In Tampa Federal Court, we participated in the longest Federal Trial to date, and Bob's trial skills were brillant. He had a compassion for those less fortunate in the legal system
My sincere condolences go out to his family

April 26, 2013

Please accept our heartfelt sympathies.

Peace~
Bob & Cynthia Maxwell

William Porter

April 26, 2013

I knew and admired him, often asked his advice when I was in criminal practice. He was open, intelligent, ethical and believed---to his soul, that the way a government remains strong and righteous is by being constantly challenged. The FACDL, in which we were both members, was a labor of his love. He was a really good guy. L. William Porter II

Allen Thompson

April 26, 2013

Always a good friend

Brenda Stone

April 25, 2013

I am sorry to hear of Bobby's passing; we went to school together at Milton High School; Brenda McLean Stone

Rebecca Allen Condon

April 25, 2013

Thanksgiving Days with the Harper family are some of the favorite memories of my childhood. Bobby was truly a Southern gentleman and I was saddened to hear of his passing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Steve Carson

April 25, 2013

Jill I'm so sorry Bobby was a good friend and stood by me when I had no one,I'll never forget him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family he will be deeply miss.

Ruth Brantley

April 25, 2013

To Gill and family.As you go through life's greatest sorrow the loss of someone you love may your own faith in God sustain you. Bringing you comfort today.Courage for tomorrow and hope in your heart always.

Linda Proehl

April 25, 2013

My thoughts and prayers tothe Family of MR.Harper.I thought very highly of him, even after the first meet. He was a very kind person,whom i enjoyed talking to. It will not be the same without him. I am very greatful to have known him.God Bless!

April 25, 2013

To Jill, Gus, Alex, Myriah & the Harper family: We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to you in this time of mourning and grief due to Bob's passing. We pray for your peace and comfort in the Lord.

With Sincerest Sympathy,
Alan & Yolie Gonzalez

April 25, 2013

To Jill, Gus, Myriah, and Alex, I wish to send my deepest condolences and regrets that I will not be able to attend the service as I am in Argentina. Please know that I am thinking of you all. Your cousin,
Curt McNeal

April 25, 2013

robert was a true friend, the best lawyer you could ever have he loved people and his family. Robert also fought for me personally I will never forget his friendship. Thank You

Bud

April 25, 2013

My sincerest sympathies, prayers and thoughts go out to the entire Harper family. Bob was my ATO big brother (1967) and I will remember him always.

Lon Lane, Kansas City, Missouri-University of Florida '69

Rose Burney

April 25, 2013

To Mrs. Harper and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Harper was a one of the nicest man I've ever met. May God's tender mercy be forever with you as you go through these trying times. We will continue to pray for you and your family. Love you, Rose, Chelsy and Johnny.

Craig Bruner

April 25, 2013

I worked with Mr. Harper for over 20 years in Federal Court. I never knew a more competent, polite, and professional lawyer. All of us at the courthouse enjoyed working with Bob. I was sad to learn of his passing. My heart goes out to all his family.

Terry and Marilyn Reisman

April 25, 2013

Both Marilyn and I are sorry to hear the bad news about Bob. He was truly an exceptional human being in addition to being an outstanding father and lawyer. Deana called me here in Bulgaria with the news. We won't be back in the States until the 2nd but he will be in our thoughts as will the family.

April 25, 2013

Bobby, Betsy, and their mom and dad were ever so kind to me always. I shall never forget being escorted to the prom by Bobby. He was the very best of young men, honorable, kind, and ever so bright. Though I have not seen him since high school, I shall always cherish my memories of him, my dear Betsy, and Nan. There are no words to ease his family's loss. Charlie Clements

Edward Wynot

April 25, 2013

A skilled Master of the law, and a true friend in my moment of need, the entire community will join Bob's family in mourning his passing. Our loss is incalculable.... May his memory be eternal.

malinda williams

April 25, 2013

send our love and deep sympathy. we love mr harper and will miss him.we love you mrs harper and family.am here mrs harper.this Mel

Stephanie Wilson

April 25, 2013

My heart goes out to you and your family mrs. Harper, he was a great man and will truly be missed.

Charles & Stephanie McClure

April 25, 2013

Mr Robert Harper was known as a loving family man and a wonderful attorney.

April 25, 2013

My heart goes out to the Harper family in your loss. We loved our Bobby and were so looking forward to seeing him at our 50th class reunion next year. He will be greatly missed. We will continue to remember you all in our prayers. God is in control. You are never alone and can always call upon His name. With deepest sympathy, Janet Hinote Hamman, MHS Class of '64

Linda Renbarger Quinlan

April 25, 2013

My heart is breaking as read Bobby's Obituary. He was my first love in high school. I rode my horse to see him in 9th grade, we were in student council together. As I have viewed his life, we had so much in common. My love to Jill, his children, grandchildren and Nan, his beloved sister, who was Bobby's and my mentor. God Bless dear friend, even though our paths have not crossed in years you are in my heart.

RASHEKA WILLIAMS

April 25, 2013

MY SINCERE CONDOLENCE GOES OUT TO THE HARPER FAMILY! I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH. MRS. HARPER STAY STONG, I LOVE YOU. I AM SO HAPPY I GOT TO TALK TO "BOB" A COUPLE WEEKS AGO! REST IN PEACE! I AM HERE JILL WHENEVER YOU NEED ME!

Lawrence Chatman

April 25, 2013

Mr. Robert Harper was gallent of a man in the court room. We will miss a man who gave his all for justice in the courtroom. My prayers are with you all and you have my deepest symphathy.
Lawrence L. Chatman

A Rose For You

Derrell, Rachell, Phillis, and Christopher Scott

April 25, 2013

Mrs Harper, Gus and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Words can not express the magnitude of the loss of a great man. We started out knowing Mr. Harper as a lawyer and in a short period of time he transcended that title into a friend. We consider ourselves profoundly blessed to have had the opportunity to know him. In the legal profession I have not known a more honest, compassionate, listening and caring person. He has truly set a standard for others to follow. He will truly be missed by all whose lives he touched. He made the downtrodden, overlooked, and misjudged feel important. He was a rare find and a true treasure.

Larry Workman

April 25, 2013

Deepest sympathy. Met "Bobby" in Gainesville; I lived next door.

Dennis Murphy

April 25, 2013

Humility, integrity, loyalty, faithfulness and honor are the things that I think about as I recall an absent, but not forgotten friend. God bless you and keep you. May He be gracious to you and give you peace.

Faye Allen McNeal

April 24, 2013

My sincere condolences to all of you. I will always remember my cousin Bobby for his kindness,quick wit and his brilliant mind. May God bless you at this most difficult time.

April 24, 2013

Jill and Gus : Brenda, Brian and I share your grief. Your rememberance captured his spirit. He was a true southern gentleman and had an elegance and grace in the courtroom that was unmatched. Those of us who are old enough to remember the early days in Gainesville, and who were privileged to have tried cases with him, will always keep him in our hearts and minds. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gilbert A, Schaffnit

Don Prokes

April 24, 2013

Jill and Family, My thoughts and prayer are with in this time of loss. I will miss my college roommate and ATO brother Bobby. I am so glad I got to be with him a few times in the last few month to reconnect and share some special time with him. I know how much you love him, know that his friend loves him too. Rest in peace my brother.

Debbie Dunagan

April 24, 2013

We at Merchants Bank are so sorry for your loss. Bob will always be remembered as a good man.

The Moore's

April 24, 2013

We will never forget Mr.Harper. Gus, we will always have your entire family in our hearts.

Alan & Jackie Moore

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