Edward Dice Harper, age 85, a resident of Elkins, WV, passed from this life Thursday evening, April 12, 2012. Mr. Harper was born Sunday, April 25, 1926, in Elkins, a son of the late Edward Dice Harper, Sr. and Georgia Brown Rice Harper. He was formerly married to Wilma Mae Kerns of Elkins. Mr. Harper is survived by his daughters, Randy Harper of Weston, and Pamela Varner and husband Richard of Elkins; sons Dice Harper III and wife Judy, Jessup MD, and Bill Harper and wife Elaine, Smithfield, NC. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Cary Ryder and husband Sheldon, Laura Simons and husband Brian, Charlie Lowther and wife Helen, Chris Lowther and fiancee Jenna Jeffries, Tonya Harper, Richie Harper, Dice Harper IV, Jared Varner, Christa Varner, Kathy Brogan and husband Matt, and Sara Sheets and husband Jake; 11 great grandchildren, Megan, Jenna, Nathaniel, Aidan, Chris, Jake, Samantha, Katie, Brianna, Brandon and Elise; and six great great grandchildren, Zachary, Faith, Destinee, Wyatt, Malachi, and Keira; his sister, Eleanor Gay, Elkins, and sister-in-law Sue Harper, Phoenix, AZ, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Harper was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. William Harper, brother-in-law William Gay, and by his longtime companion, Virginia Snyder, Mill Creek. Mr. Harper was a graduate of Elkins High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and also served in the U.S. Air Force. He loved flying, fishing, gardening, raising birds, and a wide variety of music. He enjoyed planning and cooking meals for friends and family. Mr. Harper will be sadly missed by family and friends, as well as all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 28, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Beverly, WV, with Pastor Leon Brown officiating. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the West Virginia Civil Air Patrol, Attn: Colonel Fox, 112 Airport Road, Charleston, WV, 25311-1056.
