Jerry L. Harper

Published 3:26 pm Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Jerry L. Harper, 80, of Elizabethton, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 13, 2020, from Johnson City Medical Center. Jerry was born in Portland, Tenn., to the late Raymond O’Dell Harper and Elsie Mae Randolph Harper. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Joyce West Harper, and one sister, Martha Pirtle.

Jerry attended Tennessee Technological University where he earned his degree in Chemical Engineering. He went on to have an illustrious career as a Chemical Engineer at North American Rayon and Service Thread, Inc. Jerry was a member of First Baptist Church in Elizabethton, where he was a deacon and a member of the Messenger Sunday School Class. Jerry’s church and community were very important to him. He was active in the church choir, the community choral choir, the meals on wheels program and he specifically enjoyed visiting and caring for members of his church and community.

Jerry loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed traveling, the Scottish games, woodworking, roasting coffee, motorcycles and working on the Appalachian Trail.

Those left to cherish his memory include a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy Harper May and Joe May, and his granddaughter, Emily May, all of Elizabethton; a son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Lori Harper, and grandsons, Price, Reed and Vance, all of Clemmons, N.C.; a sister, Peggy Shanks and husband Jim of Portland, Tenn.; two brothers, James Harper and wife JoAnn of Indiana and David Harper and wife Jane of Portland, Tenn.; and a special friend, Lillian Oliver of Johnson City. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, a private graveside service will be held at Happy Valley Memorial Park. A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date, to be held at First Baptist Church of Elizabethton. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to First Baptist Church Technology Fund, 212 East F. Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com

Mr. Harper and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.