Dr. Elmer David Piper

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Dr. Elmer David Piper, 87, of Greenville Place died Friday, March 26, 2004. Born in Bethlehem, Pa., he was a son of the Rev. Albert A. Piper and Emma Lerch Piper. Dr. Piper was called by the Lord when he was 16, and faithfully preached the Gospel for 60 years. He was a graduate of Bob Jones University in Cleveland, Tenn. He pastored churches in Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina. Along with his brother, Dr. Bill Piper of Anderson, he was a full-time evangelist and music director. Since retiring to Greenville in 1980, he has served as interim pastor at White Oak Baptist Church, Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Gier Memorial Baptist Church, Grove Road Baptist Church and Standing Springs Baptist Church, where he was a current member. He also served on the staff at Pendelton Street Baptist Church, as well as on the board of directors of Rogma International, an international Bible correspondence ministry sharing the Word with the world. Dr. Piper was the author of several books and gospel choruses. He was a faithful servant of our Lord and shared 60 years with his wife, Naomi, who survives him. Also surviving are his daughters, Nancy Roberts and husband Fred of Simpsonville, Sharon Duncan and husband Larry of Greer and Pam Hall and husband John of Simpsonville; a son, Paul Piper and wife Linda of Travelers Rest; a brother, Dr. Bill Piper of Anderson; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Preceding Dr. Piper in death was his brother, Harold Piper. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 29, at Standing Springs Baptist Church in Simpsonville, with the Dr. John Piper, the Rev. Glenn Bryant and the Rev. Michael Beeks officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland East Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 Sunday afternoon at the Mackey Mortuary in Greenville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rogma International, P.O. Box 2008, Easley, SC 29641.