Benjamin Freeman Harper

MSgt Benjamin F. Harper, USMC (Retired), 83, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2019.  Ben was born on May 11, 1936 in Greensboro, Alabama to the late Benjamin Frank and Neva Wells Harper.  In 1955, he joined the armed forces as a private in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country in Vietnam, Okinawa, Thailand, Jerusalem, and London.  He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1976 with full honors following 21 years in his beloved Corps.  He married Delia Reddington in London, England in 1958 and they had three children.  Ben is survived by his wife Delia Harper of Sneads Ferry, NC, son Christopher Harper (Janice) of Wilmington, NC, David Harper (Crystal) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, daughter Alexandra Harper of Wilmington, NC, grandchildren Rachel, Wells and Ella, and sisters Eloise and Joyce as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ben served two tours of Vietnam, where he received the Purple Heart for combat wounds.  He was also stationed at Camp Lejeune for many years and served our nation at the US Embassies in London and Bangkok.  Later in his career, he was attached to the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, MD and served as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Treaty Security Organization in Jerusalem, Israel.  

Ben loved cooking, collecting coins, fishing, Hank Williams music, and surrounding himself with his grandchildren.  But, most of all he deeply loved Delia, his soulmate and best friend for over 60 years.  Ben and Delia were rarely apart and always went everywhere together.  Ben always loved being around people and making them feel welcome with his wonderful cooking. 

Our husband, Dad, and Papa will be missed by all whose lives he touched.  A burial service will take place in Jacksonville, NC, on August 28, 2019, 2:00 PM at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Montford Landing Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540.  Funeral arrangements are provided by Andrews Mortuary Wilmington, NC.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations for the continued research into Agent Orange related illnesses be sent to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH  45250-0301 or The Vietnam Veterans of America at 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910.