F. Stephen (Steve) Harper

F. Stephen (Steve) Harper, age 89, passed peacefully from this life on February 6, 2017. Born March 30, 1927 in Ashland City, TN, his death came less than two months after the passing of his wife and life focus, Judy L. Harper. The two are now reunited after a brief pause in their union of more than 68 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents, family physician F. Stephen Harper and his mother Mary Elizabeth Harper, as well as his siblings Bill Harper, David Harper and Frances H. Pickering. He is survived by his caregiver and close family friend of 43 years, John M. Crow as well as his daughters Elizabeth Fendley and Deborah Stillwell along with 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Having lost his mother to disease at age five, and with the influence of his brothers, Steve found athletics as an outlet for his energies, culminating in his graduation from Columbia Military Academy in 1945 by being honored with the Spirit of Columbia award. That success was followed by yet another during his Army enlistment as an integral part of the undefeated football team for Fort Benning, which brought home the intra-service trophy. Entering Vanderbilt University after the war, Steve made the roster as a starting left handed pitcher for the university baseball team. But by his own estimation, his greatest success and triumph came after meeting his future wife, Judy, on a blind date shortly after his service discharge. It was to prove an inseparable union that was to last for nearly seven decades. Completing his education at Vanderbilt University in 1950, Steve joined the staff of the Newspaper Printing Corporation, later to be merged with the present Tennessean newspaper. A career of more than 39 years encompassed many innovations and changes which he oversaw and implemented, including the conversion from linotype to computer generated print. Through his career he worked with numerous advertisers, large and small, was active in numerous business and social organizations, and finally retired from his position as director of advertising to devote his attention to the development of the farm and dream home that he and Judy had envisioned. Many happy years followed. Special thanks are to be given to his extraordinary group of caregivers in the last years, especially Regina (Nina) Williams, Jamie Rayburn, Tammy Welcher, Sheila Bryant and Debbie Miller. A special note of thanks is due his neighbor John Lusty for his help in times of need, as well as to his son-in-law Ed Fendley for his concern and periodic visits. Cremation and funeral arrangements are being made through Cheatham County Funeral Home, with interment to be made in the Harper family plot in Forest Hill Cemetery, Ashland City, TN. A joint memorial service for Steve and Judy will be conducted at First United Methodist Church in Dickson, TN at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Steve's memory to the Dickson County Humane Association, the Nashville Humane Association, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the charity of one's choice.

F. Stephen (Steve) Harper

March 30, 1927 - February 6, 2017