Junior Wayne Harper

Junior (JR) Wayne Harper, went to be with the Lord Jesus on December 2, 2023. He was devoted to his children, grandchildren and wife of 49 years. JR never met a stranger and became friends to all that came into his path. JR was born in Cairo, Georgia on March 8, 1952. He graduated from Cairo High School, where he met the love of his life, Julia (it was love at first sight). They were married in 1975 after he served in the United States Marine Corps. Upon returning home after serving his country, he joined the family business, Harper’s Seafood. His vision and hard work ethic created a company he took great pride in as it is one of the leading seafood suppliers in the Southeast today. However, his greatest accomplishments of all are his four children: Heidi, Heather, Haley, and Hunter, his 3 sons in law and 11 grandchildren which brought him great joy and delight as well. Most Tuesdays, JR would be found playing golf where his antics on the course will be remembered by his friends. In recent years, his cooking and grilling skills had reached an all-new level. Most mornings after enjoying a cup of coffee with Julia, JR would be found in his front yard picking up a bucket or two of pinecones that had fallen from the night before. He loved spending time outdoors rather it be doing yard work, feeding his chickens, or building a fire. Competition ran deep in Juniors genes, from sporting events to a family game of Duck Duck Goose or his families annual 4th of July corn hole tournament- winning was a tradition. Watching his grandchildren compete in sporting events was always a highlight in his life, his two youngest grandchildren are the ones that softened his heart even more and made him a pushover after his retirement three years ago. Upon retirement, he and Julia were able to spend time in Destin, Florida where they were able to develop new friendships and new memories.
Junior was a member of Thomasville First Baptist church and loved filling a family pew.
Junior leaves behind a legacy of laughter, joy and smiles. His zest for life and making it fun will be missed by so many.
He is survived by his wife, Julia, daughter and son-in-law Heidi and Bernie Hall, daughter and son-in-law Heather and Mike Waldrop, daughter and son-in-law Haley and Lafe Perkins, and son Hunter Harper; grandchildren Braxton, Landon, and Addy Hall, Rodge and Roland Waldrop, Samuel and Harper Julia Perkins, Hardy, Hudson, Hazel, and Haywood Harper. He is also survived by his sisters Judy (Randall) Beaty and Lisa (Mike) Nix. Junior was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Geraldine Harper. The Funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, December 21, 2023 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Thomasville. The family will gather for a private burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens following the service. The family invites friends and family to join them Friday, December 22, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM as they celebrate his life and share his memories. The gathering will be held at The Waldrop’s home at 222 Oak Trace Dr. Thomasville, GA. Everyone is invited to join and share their favorite JR memories.