Clyde E. Harper, 84, of Irwin County, died Tuesday, October 6, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas.
Mr. Harper, affectionately known by his family as “Sunshine” was born January 14, 1925 in Irwin County to the late Clayton and Molly Joyner Harper also of Irwin County. He lived in Irwin County all of his life, where he was owner/operator of the Sunshine Ranch. Mr. Harper served from 1943 until his retirement in 1985 in the United States Merchant Marines. This included service during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. Having traveled to over 47 countries, he retired achieving the highest rank of Chief Engineer. Mr. Harper was most proud of his four children, all of whom graduated from top tier U.S. universities.
He is survived by his daughters, Lynn Harper of Houston, TX and Leah Harper of San Francisco, CA; sons, Clayton Harper of Seabrooke, TX and Mike Harper of Macon, GA; six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, three great grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren; sister, Charlotte Laxon of Huntsville, AL as well as several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Tydlee Waldron Harper and his two brothers, all of Irwin County.