ROCKY MOUNT - Willis "Harold" Harper, age 90, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Born in Nash County 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 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; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Cathy Hicks; step-children and step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held March 4, 2023 at Lakeside Baptist Church, Rocky Mount with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Burial followed the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.