Dennis Clyde Raper

1944 - 2021

Mr. Dennis Clyde Raper, 77, went to his Heavenly home with his family by his side Monday, Dec.13, 2021, at Atrium Health Cabarrus. Mr. Raper was born Nov. 27, 1944. He was a son of the late Clyde Wilford Raper and Ruby Dennis Raper. Mr. Raper graduated from South Rowan High School in 1963. He served in the Navy on the USS Forrestal from 64-67 in Norfolk, Va. He also worked for Liberty Life Insurance Company before going in business with his dad in 1968, Rapers, Inc., that closed in 1996. Dennis was always bragging about his dad's wisdom for business. He worked with Dixie Wholesale before early retirement due to health issues. He enjoyed going to Brown's Restaurant to be with his breakfast buddies. He was always ready to tell you a joke or a fishing story. Dennis brought smiles, joy, and encouragement to everyone he met, and always ready to give his testimony. He loved his church family, greeting and loving them all. He was a member of Kannapolis Church of God, and served on different church boards in the 70s through the 90s. He was a former choir member who loved to sing old hymns. He was a faithful Sunday School teacher at Elm Street Church of God to young adults in the 70s, and was a former open class Sunday School teacher for Kannapolis Church of God. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his little angels, Garner James and Lydia Faith Asher, who will be eager to see their Papaw. A Godly Christian, husband, dad, who we love and miss but will see you again one day. Dennis was loved by many including his wife of 55 years, Sandra Deal Raper; children, Derek Dennis Raper and wife Deana of Myrtle Beach, Denise Rowland and husband David of Holden Beach, Deandra Weaver of Kannapolis and Delinda Asher and husband Rev. Stan of Asheville; sisters, Sylvia Watson and husband Ken of Albemarle, Terry Collins and husband Max of Lowell, Mary Ellen Raper of Landis; brother, Eddie Raper and wife Cindy of South Carolina; 19 nieces and nephews he joked with and loved; 14 grandchildren; his great grands, Tobias and Paisley Haberkamp; along with 13 other great grandchildren. The family would like to send a thank you to Joel and Trish Whittington, our Elders of Kannapolis Church of God, and his other prayer warriors. Arrangements: A graveside service with military honors was held Friday, Dec. 17, at West Lawn Memorial Park. Rev. Stan Asher, his son-in-law, and Dr. Greg Sloop officiated. Memorials: Memorials may be sent to Connection Point Church of God, 142 Elk Mountain Road, Asheville, NC 28804. Remembrances may be sent to the family online at www.ladysfuneralhome.com. Lady's Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family of Mr. Raper.