Samuel Alan Harper

Alan Harper, 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Alabaster, Alabama on December 18, 2025. Alan was a Northport native who also spent time in Hoover, St. Joe Beach, Florida and in Pickens County.

A celebration of Life will be held on December 30, 2025 at 1pm at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home on Highway 69 North.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Faye Ingram Harper and Samuel Henry Harper.

He is survived by his wife Jean Harper, and his sons Sam (Samantha) and Brant (Karen) and three grandchildren; Tatum Harper, Maddux Harper and Brantley Harper. He is also survived by the mother of his sons, Mary Jean Sutton and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alan spent his working years in the service of others. He enjoyed helping people in the various positions he held throughout his career. He was Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Aliceville and later worked for the First National Bank of Pickens County where he was a Loan Officer and Assistant Vice President. He served as the Assistant to the Mayor of Hoover, and he worked for almost 10 years at the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority (IDA). Alan served as Aliceville City Manager and Retail Development Director for the City of Northport. He had many successes.

During his time at the IDA, the Authority announced projects that created over 4,000 new jobs. He also played a key role in the effort to support the development and launch of the Tuscaloosa County Mercedes facility. Indeed, Alan left his mark on many successful projects in Tuscaloosa and Pickens Counties.

Alan served in the State Legislature as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 2006 to 2018. He represented Northport and surrounding areas in Tuscaloosa County and Pickens County. During his tenure in the Legislature Alan served on numerous House committees and was chairman of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee. He received the Legislator of the Year Award from the Economic Development Association of Alabama.

Alan was a Rotarian and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Even before Alan’s illness, he spoke of how his wife, Jean, took such good care of him. Jean’s great care continued until the end of his life.

Alan made life-long friends wherever he went and was loved by many for his hard work, southern charm and his roaring laugh.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of West Alabama or the The Parkinson's Foundation.