Leon “L.J.” Jackson Harper, Jr.

Raleigh – Leon “LJ” Jackson Harper, Jr., 93, formerly of Angier, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by the love and affection of his family early in the morning of Monday, December 5, at Morningside Care Center.  Born in Harnett County, he was the son of the late Ruth and Leon Harper.   He was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the Navy in the Pacific.  He was an active, long-time member of Angier Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and member of the choir.  He graduated from Angier High School in 1940 and was the salutatorian of his class.  LJ was a gentleman farmer and steelworker from the Greatest Generation, a faithful friend and family man, and a good companion, full of wit and insight, patience, strength of character, and grace.  Growing up in the Depression formed LJ’s values.  He admired hard work, restraint, simplicity, and careful stewardship of land.  He had a beautiful voice and was a lover of big band jazz music.  LJ was an accomplished musician, playing guitar in a country band and singing in a gospel quartet.  He enjoyed fishing, reading great literature, quoting poetry, taking care of grapevines and blueberry bushes on his beloved farm on Highway 210, and doting on his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  LJ taught his children to respect the feelings of others, saying softly, “Everybody has feelings just like me and you.” Funeral services will be held on Friday at 12:00pm at Angier Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:00-11:45 am prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday at Lakeside Memorial Gardens, Angier. LJ is survived by his wife of 27 years, Josephine Wood Harper; his son and daughter-in-law, Leon and Gail Harper of Pittsburgh, PA; his daughter, LaVerne Harper and son-in-law, Ali Baudoin of Albuquerque, NM; and his granddaughter, Abigail Ann Harper of New York City, NY.  LJ’s gentle presence, humor, and wisdom will also be deeply missed by his stepdaughter Becky McArthur and husband Mike; stepson John Beckler and wife, Amber, and stepson, Dan Beckler and wife, Vicky; his step grandchildren, Jenny, John, Sam, Ben, Cody, and Savannah; and his step great grandchildren, Jay, Leela, Nakayla, Nolan, Austin, and Cory.  In addition to his parents, LJ was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Gales Harper, and his sister, Marjorie Chisenhall. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the excellent staff at Morningside for their care and support over the past few months.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions be made to Angier Baptist Church in memory of LJ Harper.