Bruce J. Harper

He met the love of his life Barbara when they were young, enabling them to spend nearly 70 years together as loving partners.

Bruce was the Founder, President and CEO of Harper & Pearson Company, a Houston-area accounting and consulting firm. His leadership, guidance and expertise built the professional services firm into one of the leading public accounting firms in Houston. It is still thriving today, after more than 60 years.

He received numerous professional honors during his career. Among them, he served as the Chairman of the Texas Society of CPAs and President of the Houston Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs. His expertise was recognized outside the state of Texas, as he served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the TAG International Group of CPA Firms, Chairman of the AICPA National Accreditation Commission, and a member of the National Advisory Committee for the White House Conference on Small Business. He took on leadership roles in almost every organization he joined.

In 2003, he was named as “One of the 100 Most Influential People in the Accounting Profession” by Accounting Today Magazine. Additionally, he received the honor for Meritorious Service to the Accounting Profession in Texas.

After his retirement from Harper & Pearson, Bruce served on the Board of Directors of Sterling Bancshares, again being chosen to chair several committees during his tenure. He was also a proud member of the C Club of Houston.

As a long-time member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Houston, Bruce then offered his time and talents to the Episcopal Foundation of Texas, serving as its President. This position was very meaningful to him, as it allowed him to draw upon his professional experience to help an organization aligned with the faith which had guided him through his life.

He was a graduate of the University of Houston, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and was a lifetime member of its alumni organization. He had a lifelong passion for music and was a skilled piano player. He enjoyed playing golf and had the opportunity to play courses around the country during his many travels. A lifetime resident of the Houston area, Bruce also spent considerable time at his ranch in East Texas.

Bruce lived his life honorably, humbly and happily. He was a leader in his field, a collaborative professional colleague who would rather give credit to others than to himself, a valuable friend to many, and the dearest husband and family man imaginable.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; son Steven and his wife Patsy; daughter Holly and her husband Chad; grandsons Colton and Cody Sandefur; and sister Bronnie Marie Miller.

A Visitation and Reception for Mr. Harper will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet Street, Bellaire, 77401. A Funeral Service for Mr. Harper will take place at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 3816 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, 77025 with a 3:00 pm Burial following the Funeral Service at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale St, Houston, 77023.

The family welcomes donations to be a part of the fight against Alzheimer's as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers. Donations in Mr. Harper's name can be made by following the donation link below.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.earthmanbellaire.com for the Harper family.