Mickey McGarvin Harper Sr.

Mickey passed away on March 3, 2012. He was born September 29,1922. He was preceded in death by his parents, father, George Forrest Harper Sr., and mother, Lula Watkins Harper. Survived by his wife of 58 years, Gladys Capps Harper, two daughters, Pamela Harper Stembridge of Daphne, Alabama and Patricia Harper Thompson of Alabaster Alabama, and a son Mickey (Mac) Harper, Jr. of Hoover, Alabama, a sister, Johnnie Norris of Adamsville, Alabama, twelve grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Born and raised in the area around Warrior, Alabama where he was a standout baseball player during his high school years. A stint in the Marine Corp found him a part of the Marine Corps 1st Division’s 11th Marine artillery unit with the American forces in Iwo Jima during World War II. Returning from serving his country, he took a position with the local newspaper in Miami, Florida. After returning to Alabama he began a long and successful career in the railroad industry. Throughout his career with Frisco / Burlington Northern Railroad he became a constant in the Birmingham Traffic and Transportation Club, serving one term as its President and maintained a life time membership in the Club. For most of his adult life, Mr. Harper was a resident of Midfield, Alabama where he was well known for his contributions to the community, mostly in the area of coaching, teaching baseball and and tennis. Many, many individuals of all ages in the Midfield community, as well as surrounding areas benefited through the years from his tireless coaching efforts. He was very active in the Alabama Tennis Umpire Association and was honored at the US Open as USTA National Tennis Umpire of the year in the mid 90’s. He was inducted into the Alabama Tennis Hall of Fame also in the mid 90’s. He was a nationally ranked player on the tennis circuit well into his 70’s. There is a long list of people who make their living today in the sports world due to his coaching and overall influence in their lives. Mr. Harper always loved and supported the local church, teaching Sunday School, leading and singing in the choir as well as coordinating senior activities, most recently as a member at Shades Mountain Independent Church in Hoover. He loved his family, his church, old movies, parades, patriotic events, singing and dancing, Mr. Harper could always be counted upon to “contribute to the cause” at hand in a positive way. Ever the optimist, never meeting a stranger, he offered encouragement, hope and love to all those who crossed his path. Visitation will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham on Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral services will be held at Shades Mountain Independent Church in Hoover on Wednesday at 11 with a one hour visitation prior. In lieu of flowers donation may be made at woundedwarriorsproject.org