Henry Harper Evans Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Henry Harper Evans passed away in his home on March 3, 2018 after 95 years well lived. Harper was born in Jonesboro, GA on September 15, 1922. Raised with six siblings, he worked as a teenager in his family sawmill, drove the school bus, carried the US mail and surveyed cotton crops for the US government. Graduating as valedictorian of the Forest Park High School Class in 1939, he joined the United States Maritime Services earning a degree in mechanical engineering from Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy. During World War II Harper served as Chief Engineer of Liberty Ships, delivering supplies around the world, sailing each of the seven seas, and setting foot on every populated continent. Harper married Muriel “Midge” Welch of Woodhaven New York in 1946 and returned to Georgia to build a house and family. Retiring from the service as a Lieutenant Commander, Harper worked for Beaudry Ford before starting his own business in 1959. First based in Atlanta and then Hampton, Evans Fleet Service was dedicated to designing and building custom trucks and equipment for 30 years. After official retirement Harper remained an active advisor to his wife and children’s business ventures; he said that he had “retired from having one business card to having half a dozen.”An adventurous love of travel led Midge and Harper to drive across the US and to fly all over the world at any opportunity. Even with a young growing family, they would routinely drive to New York to visit family; on less than a week’s notice they drove to California in 1959 to represent the Forest Park Jaycee’s at their national convention. In retirement they visited Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Russia, the South Pacific islands, Australia, and most of the United States.Until his early nineties, Harper’s time was often passed happily in the woods, chainsaw in hand, cutting firewood with his best friend Stumpy the Dog. He also loved to watch M.A.S.H. episodes and to attend any show or sports event that included one of his young kin.To his many friends and the extended family who love and admire him, he has served as a life-long mentor, supporter, and role model of integrity, composure, and steadfast dependability. He was preceded in death by Midge after 65 years of marriage and is survived by five children; Dorcas, Thomas, Melanie, Luke, and Alfred, as well as twelve grandchildren. Graveside funeral services will be held Friday, March 9, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Jonesboro City Cemetery. Friends may visit the family on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers Harper would have greatly appreciated your donation to Project Liberty Ship; details can be found at www.ssjohnwbrown.org/fund-raiser. To pay condolences online to the family you may do so at www.haistenmcculloughfuneralhome.com. Haisten McCullough Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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Henry Harper Evans

September 15, 1922 - March 3, 2018