Grady Harris Harper, 78, passed away May 5th 2020 at his home in Paris Texas surrounded by his wife and children. Grady was born in Claxton Georgia to Charles K. and Maud Harper. He was raised in Brunswick Georgia.
He received two Bachelor’s Degrees from Armstrong State College in Savanah Georgia. One was in computer programming and the other in Mathematics all while working for Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) in Brunswick. Grady found love one night in a Baptist church in Brunswick Georgia where he was a song leader. There he met Cherry Ann Rummell. He and Cherry were united in marriage on September 14th, 1962. This year they would have celebrated 58 of years of marriage family and memories. Grady was transferred to the Paris location of B&W in 1978 and after 37 years of service he retired.
He was an enthusiastic musician and shared his passion for music with friends and family. Even teaching some his special gift even until the very end. Grady was well versed in his abilities with not only the guitar but also the piano and bass guitar. He wrote numerous songs and was a member in multiple bands dating back to the 1950s. The most recent band in which he played was Rhythm & Jones. He was also an avid fisherman and camper, activities which he shared with his children and grandchildren.
Grady is survived by his wife Cherry of Paris, a daughter Virginia Thurston and husband Don of Arlington and a son Richard Harper and wife Gina of Honey Grove. Grandchildren include, Scott Bush, Danielle Sanders and husband Ben, Madison Harper and Makenzie Harper. Great grandchildren include, Seth, Serenity, Jaydin and Eli. A sister Iris Diehl and husband Dan and a brother Ronald Harper and wife Rita. Also many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A celebration of Grady’s life is scheduled for May 9th 2020 at Bright Holland Funeral Home in Paris Texas at 2:00pm in the chapel with visitation starting one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Meadowbrook Gardens Cemetery in Paris Texas.
The service will be streamed live starting 10 minutes prior to service on facebook Live @BrightHollandFuneralHome.
The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to Meadowbrook Gardens Cemetery in his honor.
