William Royce Harper

Known affectionately as Royce to his family and friends, he loved his family, garage sales, and tools.

Royce was born in Monticello, Arkansas on June 9, 1934 to Wallace and Nell Harper as an only child. As a high school student, he drove the local school bus. From there, he spent two years in Korea with the army before moving to Port Arthur in 1958. In the same year, he met Margie Dore who would become his wife on October 14, 1961 at St James Church in Port Arthur. They would be married over 56 years before his passing.

He worked as an operator and a gauger-pumper for 34 years at Jefferson Chemical in Port Neches before retiring. After retirement, he was known as the “Tool Man” around town and actively participated in the Winnie Trade Days for over 20 years each month selling every type of tool imaginable. One could always find him looking for or striking up a deal of some sort. When not striking up a deal he could be found often striking up a game of dominos just like he did in his early years at the Key Hole in Port Arthur.

Royce was most proud of being known as Pops to his three grandchildren and loved to carry small trinkets or coins in his pockets for them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Nell Harper.

Survivors include his wife, Margie Harper of Port Arthur; sons, James Harper and his wife Angela of Port Neches and Michael Harper and his husband Jed Duhon of Austin; three grandchildren; granddaughters, Alyssa Ellen Harper of Port Neches and Dillon Duhon-Harper of Austin; one grandson, Ian Duhon-Harper of Austin.

A visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 12-2PM with a memorial service directly following at 2PM. The inurnment will immediately follow at Greenlawn Cemetery with Reverend Richard Keaton Nash officiating.

Friends who wish to make a memorial donation may donate to the American Cancer Society or the Golden Triangle Relay for life in honor of those like his daughter in law’s parents who have fought the disease.