The 27th Child of Harper Burney and Mollie Garris, Harper Burney Garris Jr., went to be with the Lord from his home in New Paris at 10:15 a.m. March 10, 2015 at the age of 75 years old.

Harper was born in Shelby, North Carolina on April 19, 1939. He grew up in Lincolnton and Shelby, N.C. until the age of 15 when he moved to New Paris. There, he met his wife, Miriam and, after serving in the U.S. Army 1957 to 1959, they married on Sep. 4, 1960. They had three sons. They were married for 54 years.

Harper is survived by his wife Miriam and his sons: Jeffrey (Jill Hendrickson), Jesse (Jill Leatherman), and James (Kristi Cripe), as well as a granddaughter, Kelsey Mitschelen (Andy Mitschelen), a grandson, Coty Garris, and another granddaughter, Sarah Garris.

He was a member of the New Paris Church of the Brethren in New Paris. Harper led a full life working as a singer/entertainer, a signmaker, woodworker, truck driver, and most recently, author. His book of memoirs tells of his life including stories of growing up the last of 27 children born of his father (70 yrs old when he was born) in Shelby, N.C.

Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen. Funeral services will be held, at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, there as well. Friends and family may call one hour prior to the service.