Riley Harper, 89, of Tifton, died Monday January 23, 2012 at his residence.

He was born June 19, 1922 in Atkinson County to the late John Harper and the late Mary Crosby. He retired with JP Stevens Co in Tifton after serving 20 years in the picking room. He was of the Baptist faith, was an Army veteran of WWII, and a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Ludelle Fogarty and Maude Rowe; 5 brothers: Jesse, Willie, Johnny, Mack, and Ben Harper; grandson: Gregory Steverson.

He is survived by his wife: Eloise Deen Harper of Tifton; 2 daughters: Deloris (Russell) Rodgers of Wellburn, Fl and Delaine (Greg) Williams of Alapaha; son: John Lewis (Jo Beth) Harper of Nashville; 5 grandchildren: Jennifer (Jeff) Williams, Johnny Harper, Stacey (Billy) Fender, Justin Williams, and Steven Williams; 4 great grandchildren: Kimberly, Kathryn, Brandon, and Bella.

Funeral services will be held Saturday January 28, 2012 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Roland Mitchell, Jr, Rev. Danny Ray, and the Rev. Tony Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in the Nashville Memorial Gardens. Visitation is Friday from 7 to 9 PM.