Willis "Harold" Harper
November 20, 1932 ~ March 2, 2023
ROCKY MOUNT – Willis “Harold” Harper, age 90, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Born in Nash County, NC on November 20, 1932, he was the son of the late Jimmie Harper and Lucy Priscilla Denton Harper. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Williams Harper; his brother, Jimmie Harper, Jr.; and his sisters, Shirley Harper and Marie Harper Varnell.
Harold was a US Navy veteran with a long career in public service. He retired from Technology Services Corporation after his career at the Naval Research Laboratory where Harold was the Section Head of the Search Radar Division and then Branch Head over Target Characteristics. He held several patents for electrical circuits and components. Harold was an active member of Lakeside Baptist Church. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Harold is survived by his wife of 17 years, Margaret Leathers Harper; his children, Lorena P. Harper and husband, Fred Birchett, Willis Harold Harper, Jr. and wife, Beth, Elizabeth Harper Wilcox and husband, Wayne; his grandchildren, Leanne Watrous, Emily Tomasik and husband, Tyler, Brittan Wilcox, Willis Harper III, Morgan Harper, and Banks Harper; his great-grandchildren, Shepherd Tomasik and Addison Tomasik; his sister, Cathy Hicks; step-children and step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Harold’s life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building at Lakeside Baptist Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Dr. Harper and family,Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.With deepest condolences,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy,
Thinking of our long time good friend.
To me as a little kid, Mr. Harper was the strong, kind, organized and very smart father of my dear friend, Liz. He could do anything! His care and devotion to his family has provoked onlookers like me to love others better. I also could use a good dose of his discipline and organization 🙂 I was always wowed by that! Family, I am sorry for this huge loss in your life. Praying you feel God’s nearness and comfort. Much love to you all <3
Deepest condolences to our cousins and family
A true, gracious friend who enriched my life, as well as the lives of all those who knew him.
I had the pleasure of working for Mr. Harper very early in my career at the Naval Research Laboratory. He was a great teacher and supervisor, always positive and encouraging. I continued to interact with him after he left NRL while he was at TSC where he continued to encourage and mentor me in the ways of the larger Navy. My condolences to all of his family and friends.
Our Thoughts are with you.
Dr. Harper and Family,You are in our continued thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy,
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Hal was a good friend and a good man. While we lost touch since his retirement. Every time I drive past Gaston NC on I-95 I smile remembering Hal
Oh this makes me sad. May his memory be eternal ❤️