ROBERT LEO HARPER
Leo Harper, 92, of Deep Run, passed away at the N.C. State Veteran's Home in Kinston on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017.
Leo served in the United States Navy during World War II as Seaman First Class and Ammunition Gunner from 1941-1945. Returning home, he became a tenant farmer and married Ronelle Davenport and they had three children. Leo loved nature and people. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. He served as a Boy Scout leader in Deep Run for many years. Leo was also a member of Pleasant Hill Masonic Lodge No. 304 and a member of the Lenoir County Shrine Club.
Leo Harper worked for Lenoir County law enforcement for 38 years. He was the Lenoir County sheriff from 1970-1988, serving the citizens of Lenoir County with honesty, integrity and pride.
Leo was the recipient of the 1980 North Carolina Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award and was second in the nation for the J. Edgar Hoover Award.
Leo was preceded in death by his daughter, Wanda Sue Harper; sisters, Hazel Alphin and Mary Whitfield; and brother, Wesley "Red" Harper. He is survived by his wife, Ronelle Harper of the home; daughter, Rita Harper Minshew of Kinston; and son, Greg Harper and wife, Dawn of Deep Run; grandson, Donovan Harper; granddaughter, India Harper; and great-grandson, Evan Harper; brother, Leslie Harper; and sisters Janice Braswell and Nell Smith.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 7 until 9 p.m. at Pink Hill Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Pink Hill Funeral Home with burial following at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.
Online condolences may be sent to www.pinkhillfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on January 24, 2017 8:07 AM