James "Dick" Richard Harper

James Richard (Dick) Harper, age 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was born on May 20, 1934 in Cumberland, Maryland to Dolly Marie and Murl Lonnie Harper.

Dick graduated from Allegheny High School in Cumberland, Maryland in 1952. Dick enlisted in the United States Marines until they “found out” his actual age. Needless to say, he was discharged from the Marines.

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in France earning a Good Conduct Medal. On May 12, 1956, while stationed in San Antonio, Texas, he married the love of his life, Norma Lee (Rinker) Harper. There were no children born into the marriage but over the years, they had many four legged children they loved – with their surviving baby, Cocoa .

While in France, they took advantage of being stationed abroad and visited many places; Germany, Switzerland and Holland being their most memorable. Upon returning to the States, they resided in Cumberland, Maryland for a period of time before relocating to Charlotte, NC to work with his brother, Ron, at Harper Corporation.

After a period, a Machinery Division was formed that Dick later managed, becoming sole owner of Harper Machinery in 1989. Harper Machinery sold Specialized Machines for the corrugated industry, specializing in research and development, manufacturing, assembly, retrofitting and inspection of industrial machines.

Dick is survived by his brothers Gary (Mona) Harper of Cumberland, MD and Steve (Linda) Harper of Kings Mountain, NC; nieces Amanda (Dylan) Cyr of Gastonia, NC and Lindsey (Derek) Mueller of Salt Lake City, UT, as well as many dear family and friends.

The family would like to say a very special thank you to Madeleine Crawford, Dick’s longtime friend. We could not have done it without you. Thank you!

The family would also like to thank Sharon Cosby, who was Mr. James' healthcare giver. We sincerely appreciate all that you have done for him and Norma.