Steward Alfred D. Harper, Sr. Obituary

Steward Alfred Douglas Harper, Sr. of 131 Robin Drive, Cordele, Georgia passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Davis Chapel CME Church in Arabi, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Hardshell Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

On July 5, 1960, the world was graced with the birth of Alfred Douglas Harper, Sr., a blessing bestowed upon the union of the late Mr. Tom Harper and the late Mrs. Estella Battle Harper. From that day forward, Alfred's life was marked by love, dedication, and a spirit that left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

Alfred grew up in Cordele, Georgia, where he was educated in the Crisp County School System. He graduated from Crisp County High School in 1978. It was here that he met Marilyn Ray, the love of his life, with whom he began a lifelong journey starting from their ninth-grade romance. The couple married in 1980 and were blessed with a son, Alfred Harper Jr.

Alfred pursued further education in Fort Worth, Texas, where he trained to become a truck driver. His career in the trucking industry was marked by dedication and passion, inspiring colleagues and making a significant impact on the industry. His work ethic and commitment were admired by all who knew him.

From an early age, Alfred was devoted to his faith. He initially  became a member of the Friendship Baptist Church, later joining the Davis Chapel CME Church. At Davis Chapel, he served diligently on the Steward Board and sang in the choir, contributing his talents and time to his church until his passing.

Alfred departed this life on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. 

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Marilyn Ray Harper; his loving son, Mr. Alfred Harper Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; his sisters, Mrs. Mary Steel of McDonough, Georgia, and Ms. Martha Huffins of Cordele, Georgia; his brothers-in-law, Steward Charles Ray Jr., Reverend Lorenda Ray (fiancée, Ms. Fannie Pollock) of Cordele, Georgia, Deacon Godfrey Ray (Brenda) of Moultrie, Georgia, Deacon Ronnie Ray (Sheryl), and Mr. Bobby Ray (Tomico) of Cordele, Georgia; his sisters-in-law, Mrs. Deborah Harper, Mrs. Thelma Harper, Mrs. Minnie Harper, and Mrs. Julia Harper of Cordele, Georgia, Mrs. Josephine Knight, and Ms. Nelsa Singleton of Palm Bay, Florida, Mrs. Betty Brown of Jacksonville, Florida, and Dr. Jennifer Ray of Savannah, Georgia; his devoted cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Barrett of Atlanta, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.

Alfred Douglas Harper, Sr. will be remembered for his love, kindness, and unwavering faith. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.