Cecil Harper

1926 - 2023

Sergeant Major Cecil R Harper, US Army, retired, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 19 at the age of 96. He was born October 4, 1926 to the late Bonnie Mae Hill Harper and John Walker Harper. He grew up in Lake Worth, Florida, graduated high school and joined the Army. After twenty years in the military, Cecil (Sarge) retired and moved the family to Raceland, La where he taught ROTC at Central Lafourche High School for twenty years. He had several private sector jobs until he officially retired at 92. His first wife, Alveretta Lake, passed away shortly after moving to Raceland. Soon after this, Cecil attended his high school reunion and rekindled a friendship with Martha Willard. On a leap of faith, she moved to Raceland. They were married for 48 years when Martha passed away in 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Nadine Willard of Lake Worth, Fl. Cecil is survived by his three children, John Michael Harper (grandchildren Brooke, Robert, Paul, Tim and Jennifer. Great grandchildren Finley, Evelyn, Eamonn and Maura. Linda Harper Morris (Robert Morris), grandchildren Max Frost and Grant Morris. Brenda Harper Payne (Mike Payne). Many thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge for their dedicated, loving care. The Claiborne at Shoe creek was wonderful. The staff loved Cecil (Sarge) and went above and beyond to care for him. Special thanks to Ella Hackworth. She looked after Cecil and Martha for many years in Raceland. As per their request, a joint memorial service will be held for Cecil and Martha on January 14 at 1:30 at Falgout Funeral Home in Raceland. Thank you to Cliff Dickerson, a special friend of the family, for conducting the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Baton Rouge.