Service for Mr. Raymond P. Harper will be held 2:00 Monday at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Meridian. Rev. Jim Rickles will officiate with burial in the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M., one hour prior to service at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. Milling Funeral Home of Union In charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Harper, 86, passed away Saturday, December 29, 2012 at his residence.

Survivors include: 4 Daughters: Sherry Smith and husband James T of Cody, Wyoming Judy McInnis and husband Billy of Meridian Betty Allen and husband Ben of Ruston, Louisiana Barbara Gail Robertson and husband Therrell of Meridian 8 Grandchildren 19 Great-Grandchildren

1 Sister: Catherine Creel and husband Jerry of Meridian

Survived by numerous nieces and nephews

Mr. Harper served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Nephews will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Van Fund (3456 KOA Campground Rd, Meridian, Ms 39301).

Mr. Harper is preceded in death by his wife; Doris A. Harper, parents; Preston and Ruby Harper, 1 Great-Granddaughter, China Rose Cody, 5 brothers: Bernard, Paul, Bob, Bill and Rex Harper, 1 sister: Mamie Booker .