Vernon Harper

Vernon Alex Harper, age 86 of Greensboro, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2019, at 2:00 pm at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church with Bro. Roger Harper, Bro. James Davis, and Bro. Steve Vernon officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, D.L. and Mary L. Harper, sister, Ruby Nell Weber, and brothers, David Harper and Darrell Harper.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Lola B.; two sisters, Earnestine Lee and Dot Barlow; sister-in-law, Louise Harper Wheat; daughter, Gayle Barnette (Donald); sons, Victor Harper (Sheryl), Kevin Harper (Cathy), and Randy Harper (Italie); eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include his friends, neighbors, and hunting buddies.

Vernon Harper lived a full life. After serving his country in Germany, he won the heart of Lola B. Whaley and started his family as a home builder in Tuscaloosa. Later, he and his family moved to Greensboro when he founded Harper Construction Company. He had an amazing work ethic and vast knowledge of carpentry skills that formed a successful career, and also set this incredible example of strength and determination that he manifested even through his last days. He believed that using more than two swings of a hammer to drive in an 8-penny nail was just unacceptable. He loved a good joke and a good prank, chocolate covered cherries, Liberty overalls, Lola B.’s sweet tea, and anything outdoors. He shared his excitement and love of hunting with everyone he knew, and he was convinced that hunting “laws” were merely suggestions. There is no better legacy than these countless memories, the houses he built, the friends he valued, and the family he loved. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Carmel U.M.C. Building Fund.