ROCKY MOUNT - Joseph "Ray" Harper, Sr., age 85, passed away Friday, August 26, 2022. Born in Nash County on April 10, 1937, he was the son of the late Garland Woodrow Harper and Lucy Irene Driver Harper Fisher. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Patricia "Pat" Clack Harper; his brother, Jackie Harper; and his sister, Louise Brantley.

Ray is survived by his children, Joseph "Joey" Ray Harper, Jr. and wife, April, of Red Oak, Martin Lee Harper and wife, Joyce, of Denver, Linwood Harper and wife, Susan, of Rocky Mount, and Sandra Harper Fuller and husband, Tim, of Anderson, SC; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Monday, August 29, 2022 at Benvenue Baptist Church, Rocky Mount. Burial followed at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Ray's memory to Benvenue Baptist Church, 2464 Benvenue Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Dementia Alliance of NC, 9131 Anson Way, Ste. 206, Raleigh, NC 27615.