Roy Lee Harper

Mr. Roy Lee Harper, 91, of Matthews, died Sunday, September 16, 2012, at Lake Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Roy was born in Sparta, Georgia, on May 31, 1921, the son of Jerry and Matilda (Rhodes) Harper. He retired after 38 years of service as an executive chef for Southern Pacific Railroad, 36 of those years without injury. Roy enjoyed cooking and some of his favorite memories included traveling to Bankok, South Korea, Jamaica, Bermuda, Hong Kong, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. Roy especially loved serving his Lord through New Beginnings Church and he cherished the family and friends the Lord blessed him with. Roy will be sadly missed by not only his family but by all who knew him. Roy is survived by his wife, Bettye Turner-Harper; four children: Carolyn Wilcox (Rev. Ronald E.) Freeman, Eristine E. Harper, Laura A. Beaver, and Kurra Turner; three siblings: Joseph Harper, Jerry Harper Jr, and Emma Jean (William) Hector; five grandchildren: Vicki (James L.) King-Alexander, Alisa Marie Harris, Marcus Lee Harris, Michelle S. Stokes, and Shianne K. Caldwell; and three great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn S. Harris, Marcus R. Harris, and Jaylon M. Harris. He is further survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joanne R. Harris, and three siblings. Mrs. Bettye and the rest of the family would like to personally express gratitude to John Barrow, Jr, a wonderful helping nephew; Joyce Fletcher, a loving niece who was there whenever she was needed; and Mrs. Phyllis Seaberry-Hastings who was always a great friend. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 PM on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, at the Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC. A memorial service honoring Roy will be held at Noon on Wednesday at New Beginnings Church. Following the memorial service, Roy’s earthly remains will be returned to Portland, Oregon, where he will be interred at Rose City Cemetery. “To my loving Pastor, First Lady, and The New Beginning Church family, I wish to express my sincere love and gratitude. To the staff of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home, a sincere thank you for your compassion and care to my family’s needs during this time.” - Mrs. Bettye Harper

Roy Lee Harper

May 31, 1921 - September 16, 2012