John W. Harper

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FORT WORTH -- John W. Harper, 99, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2014, just six weeks shy of his 100th birthday.

Service: 1 p.m. Saturday at Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ with interment to follow at Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Friday at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel.

John was born on October 27, 1914 in Falls County, TX to Alford Clark Harper and Floy Mae Busby. He lived his entire life in the Fort Worth area. On October 14, 1939 he married the love of his life, Ruby Mosley. To their union one son John W. Harper, Jr. was born. He was a Ham Radio operator known by the call sign of W5SNF, known by many as "Snuffy". Many of his calls were preceded by the ringing of his cow bell.

In August 2014 he was honored by the Fort Worth FIre Department as the oldest retired Fire Fighter in Fort Worth. For 39 years he served the city at Stations 12 and 20.

He was preceded by his parents and step-father, Henry Bejamin Blair, sister, Francis B. Hamm, and son, John W. Harper, Jr.

He was loved by many with many names, John, J.W., the Candyman, Jay, Snuffy, Uncle J., Uncle Jaybo, Brother, and brother Harper. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors: Sister, Jozelle Pledger; grandson, Randy Mathes; as well as many nieces and nephews.