John William Harper, Jr.

John William Harper Jr., aka “Little John,” age 64, passed away at his home in Gallipolis, Ohio September 16, 2021 after a brief illness.  John was born in San Antonio, Texas August 20, 1957, to John William Harper of Gallipolis Ferry, West Virginia and Emilia Diaz Harper of Malakoff, Texas.  

John served in the Army from 1976 - 1990 and was Honorably Discharged. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and served in Germany and Korea receiving many awards and commendations before moving to Gallipolis, Ohio to help care for his mother. He was very proud of his 13 years of service to the United States Army.  

John worked at Heiner’s Bakery, Woodland Centers, Inc., Gallipolis Foodland, Gallipolis Developmental Center and as an “Essential Worker” at Holzer Hospital, Gallipolis, Ohio.  

John is survived by his sisters: Janice James of Euclid, Ohio; Paula (Keith) Jackson of Houston, Texas; Sylvia Hammack of Richmond, Ohio and Cecelia Munoz, San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by nephews: Gregory James II and Joey James; Keith Jackson II; Robert Deal, Chris Deal and Derek Hammack and nieces: Taylor (Brandon) Johnson and Melissa (Jake) Geary as well as his great nieces and nephews that he considered “his grandchildren”: Paige Taylor, Brooklyn James, Autumn Miller, Alexis Miller, Laila Johnson, Jordan James, Kobe James, Gregory James III, Peyton Geary, TJ Geary; RJ Deal; Brandon Johnson II and his two “special little friends,” Reina Copning and Johnathan Harris. 

He was preceded in death by his mother and father as well as brothers, Harry Diaz, David Munoz and Humberto Munoz; brothers-in-law, Gregory James and Robert Hammack and great niece, Alexis Marissa Johnson. 

John had a caring heart for all children, often sponsoring Christmas Stockings/Angels for various organizations on a yearly basis and was always willing to donate or help anyone in need. 

Calling hours will be held at The McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Weatherholt Chapel, Gallipolis, Ohio Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 12:00-1:00 PM with Funeral services to follow at 1:00 PM with the Reverend Gene Armstrong officiating. Burial will follow at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens, Gallipolis, Ohio with Full Military Graveside Rites conducted by the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail. 

In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate in his honor to a children’s charity of your choice. 

The family will fellowship together at El Toril afterward. 

Pallbearers will be Keith Jackson II, Greg James, Joey James, Derek Hammack, Ron Warner, Larry Howell Jr.  

Online condolences may be sent to the family via ww.mccoymoore.com

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