FRANK E. RAPER
Dec. 12, 1932-Jan. 25, 2015
Frank E. Raper, 82, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 at Wayne Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.
The Raper Family will receive friends today from 1-3 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Goldsboro followed by a service celebrating Frank's life at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary, with Dr. Glenn Phillips officiating.
Frank was born in Wilson County on Dec. 12, 1932, to the late Barney and Pearl Joyner Raper. He lived a life of dedication to his family and friends and to his community.
After graduating from Lucama High School in 1954, Frank attended North Carolina State University and graduated in 1958 before serving his country in the United States Army. He later returned to North Carolina and entered the School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1962. Upon graduation from pharmacy school, Frank came to Goldsboro and started his career as a pharmacist and the family business, Raper Drugs. Frank had also served as the president of the Wayne County Pharmaceutical Society.
Frank was a 1980 graduate of the Command and General Staff College and had served in the North Carolina National Guard and the United States Army Reserve. He retired in 1987 with the rank of colonel. Frank was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Goldsboro. He was devoted to his church and was involved in many activities where he utilized his gifts and abilities to share the love of God.
For those who knew him, Frank will be remembered by his charm, quick wit and his smile. He will be missed by many. The love in Frank's life were God, family and friends. Frank took great pride in his sons and loved watching them develop into the fine young men that they are today. His grandchildren also provided many happy days and smiles.
Frank's passion was golf and he was a member of the Lane Tree Golf Club and a charter member of Walnut Creek Country Club. If it was a beautiful day, he enjoyed being on the links sharing shots and laughter with his family and friends. Frank was a great supporter of Carolina sports and most recently enjoyed Carolina's victory over Louisville in Chapel Hill with his sons.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Evelyn Davis Raper; his sons and daughters-in-law, Frank Raper Jr. and wife, Stephanie of Pueblo, Colo., Mike Raper and wife, Shannon of Goldsboro and David Raper and wife, Ginny of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Steven, Abbey, Colin, Ann-Marie, Adrienne, Rocco, Sadie, Sully and the granddaughter he was anticipating in March. He is also survived by his sisters, Lynn Whiteford of Greenville and Kathryn Pittman and husband, Leroy, of Kinston; sisters-in-law, Doris Raper of Rocky Mount, Jackie Byrd Raper of Rocky Mount and Marjorie Jackson and husband, Ray, of Lake Lure; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Hazel Odom; and brothers, Jennings, Charles, Graham, Dennis and Donald Raper.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the Child Development Center at First Baptist Church, 125 S. John Street, Goldsboro, N.C. 27530.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd.)
Published in Obituaries on January 25, 2015 9:26 AM