John Frederic Harper

John Frederic Harper of Florence, MS passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at St. Dominic's Memorial Hospital in Jackson. He was surrounded by his family after a short illness with West Nile Virus.  

John was born October 26, 1944, in Belknap, Illinois, to Helen and Tod Harper. He attended Southern Illinois University where he obtained his degree in Civil Engineering. Specialist Harper served the U.S. Army in the Vietnam war with the 2nd Battalion/9th Artillery Regiment/4th Infantry Division. His medals include: The National Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. At the age of 73, he retired after 31 years of service as the Assistant State Aid Engineer for the State of Mississippi. 

John was a member of First Baptist Church of Florence where he loved serving God and fellowshipping with fellow Christians. John loved playing golf and hunting turkeys with his best friend, James Hitt. He was a loyal fan to the Atlanta Braves, win or lose. His greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. John Harper had a gentle and affectionate nature that won over both family and friends. His gentle, kind spirit will be sorely missed. 

John was preceded in death by parents Helen and Tod Harper and his sister Velma Lauderdale. 

On June 22, 1984, he married his wife of 40 years, Lizzie Davis. He is survived by son Jerrod (Veronica) Harper of Ft. Worth, TX, and daughters Lauren (Josh) Blackwell of Florence, MS, and Emily (Kevin) Johns of Brandon, MS. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Zach (Sarah) Harper and Kaitlyn Harper of Ft. Worth, Sawyer Blackwell, Sullivan Blackwell, Whit Blackwell of Florence, and Davis Johns of Brandon. He is survived by his siblings Jack (Jackie) Harper and Mary (Richard) Stroh. 

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, September 19th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. On Friday, September 20th from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Service begins at 12:00 p.m. the family will receive visitors at First Baptist Church of Florence. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories. 

The family requests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to Loving Hands Food Pantry through First Baptist Church of Florence where John loved serving.