Mr. John Alexander Harper, Jr., age 88, of Cedartown passed away on Monday, October 11, 2010. He was born October 26, 1921 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Mr. Harper was a veteran of the U. S. Army Air Force proudly serving during World War II. He was the managing editor and writer for the National Rifle Association.

Mr. Harper is preceded in death by wife, Helen Pratchard Harper; parents, John A. Harper, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Bedwell Harper; brother, William Harper; mother-in-law, Irma Lee Ash Pratchard.

Mr. John Alexander Harper, Jr. is survived by daughters, Kim Harper and Charis Duranko; sons, John A. Harper III, Bryan Harper, Riley Harper, Charles Gresham Harper and Michael Harper; sister, Susan Roy; brother, Charles "Lister" Harper. Grandchildren surviving are Shayne Foy, Bill Foy, Travis Foy, Micah Kristin Reese, Staff Sgt. John Harper IV, Bo Harper, Sgt. Patrick Harper, Jillian Duranko, and Trey Duranko. Also surviving are eight great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and other family members.

The funeral service for Mr. John Alexander Harper, Jr. will be conducted on Saturday, October 16th, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Olin L. Gammage & Sons Funeral Home with Father Harvey Hill officiating.

Interment will follow in the family lot at Greenwood Cemetery. The American Legion Post #86 Honor Guard will conduct military rites.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 15th, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Olin L. Gammage & Sons Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Shayne Foy, Bill Foy, Travis Foy, Charles Spann, Staff Sgt. John Harper IV, Frances "Bo" Harper, Mike Harper, and Gresham Harper.

The Olin L. Gammage & Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for Mr. John Alexander Harper, Jr.