Arthur C Harper

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Arthur “Tony” Harper, Jr, 95, of Panama City died at home Sept. 9, 2020. Born Nov. 4, 1924 to Arthur C.& Pearl Horton Harper, in Broadhurst, GA. As the second oldest of 10 children, he grew up working on the family farm. Tony, a retired automobile salesman, loved to tell jokes, play pranks, and was always ready to share a story.

The Lord entered his heart as a young boy, and he was baptized in Little Creek. Tony was a member of First Baptist Church and served as a deacon, emeritus in 2006. Tony’s faith in the Lord was evident throughout his life, even during his service in WWII. He joined the army at 17 and served in the medical corps of the 79th Division, 315 Infantry, from May 1943 - December 1945. Tony served as a medic while at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was critically wounded in the war and is a recipient of a purple heart and bronze star.

Tony is survived by his wife Nan Harper, children Marsha Burns, Susan Schendel (William), Sonya Griffin (Leslie), Kim Disney, Janice Dykes, Steven Lewelling (Elizabeth), grandchildren Roy Lilja (Carla), Donald Ferrebee (Tamara), Renee Ricker (Chris), Elizabeth Jones (Jackie), and eight great grandchildren, brother Steve Harper (Ernestine), and sister Ruby Bell Flower.

He was preceded in death by first wife, Elma Shanklin Harper; brothers James, Clinton, Joseph, Alvin, and Cecil Harper; and his sisters JoAnn and Ida Lou.

Visitation 1-2 p.m. with a 2 p.m. service, Sunday, Sept. 13, at Kent Forest Funeral Home 2403 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory are requested to the First Baptist Church building fund.

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