Hollis Dale Harper

Dale Harper passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018, at the age of 81. He was born in Merced, California on December 29, 1936. He lived in Chowchilla, California on the family dairy farm until he moved to Abilene, Texas in 1956 to finish his college education at Abilene Christian University. It was there he met the love of his life Mary Nell Coffey. They married September 1, 1957 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on September 1, 2017. Dale graduated in August of 1958 with a BA degree and the family moved with their three-month-old daughter Karen to Livermore, California where he was a minister of the Church of Christ for nine months. In June of 1959 the family relocated to Long Island, New York with Rusty and Martha Bolton and their young son to help establish a Church of Christ in Huntington Station, New York. Dale was active in helping to establish several Church of Christs’ in the Long Island area for over 12 years. Before leaving Long Island Dale and a partner established a real estate company, Glenndale Associates, which eventually brought Dale to Fresno, California to establish a West Coast division and to be closer to his family.

Dale was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, and a loving friend to all who knew him. His joy came from serving the Lord, his family, and others. His favorite saying was “God Loves You and So Do I”. Mr. Harper is survived by his wife Mary Nell Harper, of Clovis, California, three daughters, Karen Harper, of Burnet, Texas, Becky Lingar and her husband Hugh Lingar III of Clovis, California, Melanie Harbin and her husband Craig Harbin of Fresno, California; five grandchildren Hugh Lingar, IV, Justin Lingar, Sara Cross, Ali Bishop and Kylie Harbin; seven great grandchildren Alexandria Lingar, Jessie Lingar, Hunter Lingar, Jacob Brower, Sydney Bishop, Kaitlyn Bishop and Mason Brower; a sister Marjorie Watters of French Camp, California; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dale was preceded in death by his parents Hollis and Nina Harper; two sisters Linda Harper and Louella Heitz.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pregnancy Care Center or your favorite charity.

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 19 at 12:00 PM at the College Church of Christ, 1284 East Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Memorial - Worden Chapel, Chowchilla, CA.