William Anthony Harper Services for William Anthony Harper will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jack Kern officiating. A Military burial will be in the Forest Lawn Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Bill Harper, 85, of Meridian, died on December 8, 2011. He was a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and after retirement worked in civil service for 13 years at the Meridian Naval Air Station. Bill was born in Jackson, Mississippi on August 20, 1926. He began his Navy career in 1944 serving in the Pacific during WWII. During his 30-year career he served on eight ships. He was the Electrical Officer on the last four ships, including the USS Pocono AGC 16, the Atlantic Fleet Amphibious Force Flagship of Admiral John S. McCain. His service included WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Bill also served at three shore stations: Instructor at the Reserve Center, San Antonio, Texas; Recruiter in charge of Recruiting Station in Montgomery, Alabama; and 2 tours of duty at the Naval Air Station in Meridian, MS, first as the Master Chief in charge of Shore Patrol and the last tour before retirement as Chief Master of Arms in charge of the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters and Command Master Chief of NAS Meridian. Bill retired on September 1, 1974. Bill was a life member of the VFW and helped organize and charter members of three branches of the Fleet Reserve Association- one being BR 264 in Meridian. Bill was a loving husband and devoted father. He will be greatly missed by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laureen Clara Daley and his parents Frank J. Harper and Myrtle Irene Harper Devol, sister Louise Walker and brothers Frank Harper and James P. Harper. Survivors include his five children and their spouses Diane and William Haner of New Orleans, Louisiana, Belinda and Edward Dopheide (deceased) of Dallas, Texas, Patricia and Robert Westendorf of Meridian, William and Carla Harper of Meridian, Deborah and Stan Coleman of Sturgis; He has eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Betty Harper of Metairie, LA. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.robertbarhamffh.com. Visitation will be on Monday, December 12, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
