John Fitch Harper

John Fitch Harper passed away peacefully in his home on St. Simons Island, November 9, 2021. His surviving family include Amy Harper Barrett (Scott) and Sarah Harper Parker (Alan); stepson David Lane (Shirley); stepdaughter Jennifer Lane; brother Timothy Harper (Vicki); grandchildren, Benjamin, Wesley, Elizabeth, Matthew, Will, Kate, Sean, Tony and Devina; nieces and nephews Matthew, Megan, and Brett; and beloved companion Linda Wright. He was preceded in death by his parents W.G. and Frances Harper and wife Jan Lane Harper.

Mr. Harper earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with an additional concentration in Organ Performance from Duke University and an MBA in Logistics from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Initially, he was employed by Union Carbide as a chemist in South Charleston, WV. Post master’s degree, he worked for Ralston Purina in St. Louis, MO. He continued his career in logistics in Atlanta with Williams Hand Tools and Blue Dot Industries. After a move to St. Simons, he managed distribution and oversaw customer service at Rich Sea-Pak until retiring in 2006. Subsequently, Conagra hired him to oversee development of distribution centers.

For the past 33 years Mr. Harper served as organist at First Baptist St. Simons. He contributed to the local community in many ways: Musical Director and President of the Board of Island Players; President of the Symphony Society; member of Coastal Symphony of Georgia Board of Directors; and President of Mozart Society. In addition to piano and organ performances at local weddings, he sang with the New Renaissance Singers and directed the Sea-Pak Singers.

A celebration of John's life will be held at First Baptist Church, St. Simons Island, Saturday, November 13, at 11:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed at www.fbcssi.org. The family will receive friends at a reception in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the music ministry of First Baptist Church, 729 Ocean Blvd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.