Paul F. Harper

Paul Francis Harper, 81, of Delano, Tenn., and a native of Polk County, passed away on September 4, 2025, after a courageous battle. Paul was of the Baptist faith and a member of Beacon Baptist Church.

Paul, better known as Harper or Buddy, to his family and friends is remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, sense of humor, quick wit, a serious yet hilarious storyteller, infectious laugh, and strong work ethic.

Paul served his country in the United States Marine Corp from August 17, 1962, through March 16, 1966. He went to Parris Island, South Carolina for basic training then to Camp Lejeune for basic combat training. From there he went to Camp Pendleton, forming up with A Company 11. A Company 11 formed up with A Company 1st Battalion 7th Marine who were stationed in Okinawa. From Okinawa he went to the Philippines, back to Okinawa, then to Mount Fuji, then back to Okinawa, then to Taiwan, then to Japan, then to Hawaii, then to San Diego, California completing that deployment. Upon his next deployment, he formed up with Echo Company 29, then Echo Company 29 formed up with Echo 1st Battalion 7th Marine then they went to Vietnam where they formed A Company 17. Paul then came home and was honorably discharged. A proud Marine and veteran, he always supported our troops.

After 37 years of labor, Paul retired from Bowater and was a very humble man who was always willing to help his neighbor. He was a man of integrity, honor, shared his valuable knowledge, and was never judgmental.

A few of his hobbies included genealogy, being outdoors, hunting, and fishing, and always looked forward to hunting trips with his son, Patrick. One of his favorite things to do was to sit by "his" window enjoying the beautiful mountain view while watching the squirrels, "Tom & Jerry" getting into mischief and the birds in the bird baths and feeders. He was a bird lover and enjoyed identifying each bird that visited, yet he was determined to "chase" the squirrels away when needed.

Above all, Paul's greatest joy was his family. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy who filled his days with love and happiness. A devoted husband, proud father, a loving patient grandfather, and treasured friend, he led his life by example of humility and leaves behind a legacy that he was extremely proud of. Paul was one of a kind and guided his family throughout life. His presence will be deeply missed but his memory will live on through his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Shelton Harper; maternal grandparents, Patrick P. and Hattie Starkey Shelton; paternal grandparents, James B. and Ella Hampton Harper; siblings, Reed H. Harper, Jr., Annette Harper Leatherwood, Carolyn Harper Coleman; niece, Dawn Coleman; nephew, Caleb Coleman.

Left to cherish the many memories include his loving wife, Sheri Rogers Harper; children, Tonya Harper Teague (Mark), Patrick Harper (Melissa), Erin Harper-Rogers (Joseph), and Jacklyn Meyers McDonald (Tony); grandchildren, Josh Harper, Tristin Teague, Brittany Harper Branch, Braxton Parker, Melody Harper, Joseph Maxwell, Landon Powell, Bryton Standridge, Whyat McDonald, Harper Branch, Journey McDonald, Kaylie Maxwell, Paige Harper, Carson Brown, Carver Johnson, and Alizabeth Johnson; the mothers of his children, Bobbie Davis, and Vicki Piersall (Robert); nieces, Carmen Leatherwood Schroeder (Brian), Tabitha Leatherwood Miller (Eric), Kecia Leatherwood McClary, and Ashley Mize Taylor (Marcus); nephews, Brian Coleman (Kim), and Cody Mize; brothers-in-law, Bennie Leatherwood, and Jim Coleman; sister-in-law, Renee Bishop; mother-in-law, Delores Stewart; love kin daughter, Ellie Standridge.

Paul was a man of faith and was most thankful for his Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ whose sacrifice on the cross gave him the promise of everlasting life- a promise he now rests in peace with.

The family of Paul Harper would like to express their heartfelt thank you and sincere gratitude to Richard Lee, MD and staff, Dr. Kamran Farrukh, MD and staff, Amedisys Home Health, the Veterans Administration, Hospice of Chattanooga and Higgins Funeral Home for the exceptional care, kindness, compassion and support during this difficult time and a very special thank you to Mia McCloskey, Timothy Woody, Brittany Walker, Mary Sheldon, Tony Meyers, and Pastor John Parker.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Beacon Baptist Church, 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323, with Pastor John Parker officiating. Special music will be provided by Leigh Ann and Ethan Parker.

Family and friends will gather from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in memory of Olivia Weatherford.

Semper Fi My Brothers!

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFunerals.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.

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