J.A. Harper passed away at home on Monday, May 5, 2008 at the age of 78, after a long illness. He was a native of Whitewright, Texas, J.A. Harper was born on November 23, 1929 at the family homestead, the son of Joseph Alonzo Harper and Zelma McCoy Harper. Mr. Harper was a farmer and rancher, and he loved camping, boating and the outdoors. Mr. Harper was a 1947 graduate of Whitewright High School, and was an Elder in the Whitewright Church of Christ. J.A. Harper was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Edith Harper Wolford. He is survived by Leta Barkley Harper of Whitewright, his beloved wife of 53 years; his brother Norman Harper of Whitewright; his children Allan Harper of Kingwood, Texas and Jayne Allen of Madison, Alabama; his granddaughters Shanna Harper Cooper of Cedar Park, Texas, Brittany Harper of Kingwood, Texas, Ashley Allen Ranguelov of Madison, Alabama, and Haley Allen of Auburn, Alabama; and his nephew David Harper of Whitewright. He was greatly loved and admired by his family and friends for his gentle spirit, his desire to help other people, and his quiet, modest nature. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the Church of Christ in Whitewright. Officiating the service will be Mr. Frazier Conley and Mr. Matt Stidham. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jack Rogers, Bob Darwin, Guy Ely, Charlie Whitworth, Sammy Harvey, David Harper, Bill White and Matt Cook. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jackie Jester, Randy Nevils and Mac Woodruff.