Ralph Linton Harper, Sr., age 90, of Melbourne, FL, went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2014. He was born in Elberton, GA, on March 17, 1924, to Linton A. Harper and Emma Jones Harper. He was preceded in death by his parents, oldest son Ralph L. Harper, Jr., 3 brothers and 1 sister.

Ralph served with the Second Battalion 328 Infantry and the 26th Infantry during World War II. He worked for General Motors for 25 years, then retired to Jackson, Ga. to farm. Ralph spent many pleasurable years farming and attending Towaliga Baptist Church. In 2007, he and his wife moved to Melbourne, Fla. to be near family as their health declined. The family wishes to thank the staff of Emeritus Assisted Living and Vitas Hospice for their loving care.

Ralph is survived by his bride of 71 years, Elizabeth Stephenson Harper; son, James Harper (Janice); daughter, Carolyn Wilson (Steve); daughter-in-law, Patsy Harper; 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Claudette) Harper and Frank (Kathleen) Harper.

Funeral services will be Monday, May 19, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Towaliga Baptist Church in Jackson, Georgia. Reverend Scott Wilson will officiate with interment in the church cemetery. Those desiring may make a memorial donation to the Towaliga Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 674, Jackson, Ga. 30233.

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home in Jackson, Ga. is serving the Harper family.