John Harris Harper

Born December 12, 1927, Harris lived most of his life in College Park, Georgia, graduating from College Park High School in 1945.

A World War II veteran, Harris enlisted in the Marine Corps on his 18th birthday. In the Marines he was a Link Training Instructor, teaching pilots how to fly by instruments. Following his military service, Harris enrolled at Georgia Tech and studied civil engineering. For part of his career, he served as College Park’s city engineer. He later worked for Robert & Co. Engineering, and at one time water purification facilities and water towers designed by Harris were all over Georgia, and some in Florida.

Harris married Dorothy Hollingsworth on November 15, 1952. Throughout his life he maintained his wedding day was the happiest day of his life, always remembering to point out it was because it was on that day that Georgia Tech beat Alabama.

Preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Rebie Harper, and three brothers, Joe, Robert, and Ed Harper; by his wife, Dorothy Ann Hollingsworth Harper, daughter-in-law, Lori Harper, and virtually every friend he ever had.

Harris is survived by sons, John Hollingsworth Harper, James Daniel Harper, daughter-in-law Lynne Harper, grandchildren Josh Welcher (Kayla), Stuart Harper (Kaitlyn), Jennifer Day (Matt), Rachel Harper, and Michael Harper. Also survived by great grandchildren Jaden Welcher, Diana Welcher, Alaina Day, Kade Welcher, Harris Harper, Wyatt Harper, Emma Day, and Nellie Jo Welcher.

Harris loved his entire extended family well for many decades. Not given to sentimentality, his preferred way to let people know he loved them was via lumber. Most of his family has at least one piece of furniture he built expressly for them in almost every room of their homes, constant and lasting reminders of his skill and devotion.

He looked forward to race weeks at Talladega RV Park, both for time with family but also for the time with the campers who came to stay with us year after year and became like family.

Harris loved the Braves, Georgia Tech, and golf. He loved reading history and biographies, and he taught himself genealogy. Harris enjoyed playing chess on his computer. He loved Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller. He loved “Blue Bayou” by Linda Ronstadt, but his favorite song was “Stardust” by Hoagy Carmichael.

Harris was a man of integrity, moderation, and dependability. He was a substantial man in the most substantial of generations. He will be missed sorely by many for many years.