Larry Grant Harper

He was the kind of man who showed up—no matter what. A man who put God first, his family always, and Alabama Crimson Tide football right after that, Roll Tide. He was a quiet man, but somehow said more without speaking than most ever could. He was a mentor and role model throughout his life—at work, at church, and at home.

He graduated in 1963 from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. During his time there, he was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society, and Pi Mu Epsilon, the national honorary mathematics fraternity.

He began his career at Eastman Chemical Company in 1963 and remained there until his retirement. Over the years, he served in a variety of supervisory roles across multiple divisions, including Polymers, Gasification, Acetic Anhydride, and Development Control within the Acid Division. He later served as Director of Global Polyester Polymer Development and Technology, and in the final chapter of his career, he focused on research. He built a strong reputation among his colleagues—respected not only for his knowledge and leadership, but for the quiet integrity and kindness he brought to his work each day.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a longtime member of Indian Springs Baptist Church, where he served on the building and construction committee for the new church, taught Sunday School, and contributed to many areas of church life. He was a current member of Sullivan Baptist Church.

He found joy in life’s simple and meaningful things—cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, tending to his garden, working with his hands in woodworking, playing golf, and capturing moments through photography.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Shirley; his daughters, Melissa Harper (Tom) of Columbia, South Carolina, and Meredith Jones (Brad) of Blountville, Tennessee; and his beloved grandchildren, Joshua Harper and Alexa Jones. He is also survived by a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws in Tennessee and Alabama.

He is joyfully reunited with his parents, Emit and Edna Harper of Hamilton, Alabama, and his brother, Charles Harper of Huntsville, Alabama, who went before him.

Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported our family through this long journey. We are especially grateful to the caregivers at Brookdale Colonial Heights and NHC Kingsport for the kindness, care, and compassion they showed him this past year. Knowing he was in such good hands brought us great comfort.

Rest in peace. September 17, 1940 – April 10, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, which provides caregiver support, educational programs, and essential resources for individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at East Lawn Memorial Park with Pastor Jeff Strong officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at East Lawn Funeral Home.

East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is honored to serve the family of Mr. Larry Harper.