Stephen Alonzo Harper

Stephen Alonzo Harper, 77, of Valdosta, passed this life at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2011, surrounded by his loving family and close friends.

He was born in Irwin County on November 11, 1933 a son of the late Lauris and Rosalie Griffin Harper. After attending Irwin County School in Ocilla, he moved to Douglas where he met his wife, Elizabeth Grice Harper. Steve moved to Valdosta where he owned and operated The Truss Plant for a number of years. He was a faithful member of Redland Baptist Church where he served as a teacher and on various committees. He loved The Lord, his family, his friends, gardening and the Atlanta Braves.

He is survived by his wife of over fifty years, Libby Harper, and they were blessed with three precious children, Lisa and husband John Leonard of Alpharetta, Leigh and husband Gary Cole of Norcross, and Jeff and wife Susan Harper of Valdosta; seven grandchildren, Stephanie and husband Steven Coody, Matt Leonard, Jeremy, Ashleigh Cole, Fayris, Cullen, and Hayden Harper; three great-grandchildren, Ava Grace, Ashton, and Jackson Coody. Steve was the second of five children, three brothers and one sister survive, Ray Harper of Wray, Peggy Tucker of King, NC, Lamar and wife Wanda Harper of Douglas, and Gerald Harper of Wray; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Mary Harper, and a brother-in-law, Winston Tucker.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2011 at Redland Baptist Church with Pastor Jay Watkins and Pastor Tom Ray Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in Redland Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the services, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday. Condolences to the family may be expressed on line at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602