Charles Lem Harper Sr.

COLUMBIA - Memorial services for The Honorable C. Lem Harper Sr., 96, will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2014, at Bethel United Methodist Church where he was a long time member. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Poole Activity Hall. Mr. Harper went home to be with the Lord, Friday, December 12, 2014. Born in Ocilla, Ga., he was a son of the late James and Willie Mae Harper. Mr. Harper had an amazing life. He graduated from Columbia High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was the owner and operator of C. Lem Harper Tailoring Co. His entrepreneurial spirit also provided opportunities as one of four partners of The Wade Hampton Hotel. He was a former board member of Columbia Country Club, where he enjoyed his passion for golf. He was the past President of the Southern Conference of Football Officials Association, and served as a football instructor for the US Air Force Sports Program overseas in Spain, Germany and Hawaii. During this time he served with legendary coaches Darrell Royal of Texas, Bob Devaney of Nebraska and Pappy Lewis of West Virginia. Mr. Harper was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives for three terms. He was also elected to the S.C. Employment Security Commission seven times serving his beloved state for 25 years in this position. His many civic pursuits involved being a member of the American Legion, Post 6, a member of the Jamil Shriners, Member of the Masonic Lodge #39, and Scottish Rite. Mr. Harper served as State President of the SC Jaycees and president of the Columbia Jaycees and president of the SC and Columbia Junior Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Advisory Council of the USO. He was awarded The Order of the Palmetto in 1996 for his unwavering devotion to serving the citizens of South Carolina. The SC General Assembly, by resolution, named the new building at the Employment Security Commission Columbia Complex, The C. Lem Harper Annex Building, for his distinguished service. Surviving are his children, Lynne McCartha (Thomas) of Columbia, Laurie Auld (Bruce) of Franklin, NC, C. Lem Harper, Jr. (Brenda) of Columbia, and Darrell Harper of Blythewood. His grandchildren, Jennifer McCartha Pearce (Lee), Chris B. Auld, W. Cory Auld, Clay H. Auld, Lt. Rebekah Auld Boutwell, USAF (Robby), Ryan Harper, Richard Harper, Kyle and Cole Harper and his five great grandchildren, Harper, Preston and Langley Pearce, Isabella and Riley Auld. He was predeceased by his faithful wife of 61 years, Rebecca Roddey Harper; four brothers; and one sister. The family wishes to thank Ms. Janie Shell, Mrs. Carrie McLone, Ms.Neicey Shell and Palmetto Health Hospice for their devotion and tender care of our precious Daddy. Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, or to a charity of one’s choice.