Gerald Franklin Harper

Gerald Franklin Harper, Sr. passed away on July 10, 2026 following a brief illness. Gerald was born in Durham, North Carolina on May 29, 1940. He was the son of Lewis Franklin and Cleta Hawley Harper. The family moved to South Hill, Virginia and lived there for several years before settling in Hull, Georgia. Gerald graduated from Madison County High School in 1959. Following his graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army for three years. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Ann Johnson. Upon completion of his military commitment in 1962, he and Linda returned to Athens, Georgia where Gerald served on the University of Georgia police force.

Between 1961 and 1968, Gerald and Linda had five children. Gerald began working for his father-in-law, Dillard Johnson, eventually becoming a master craftsman in sheet metal industrial design and fabrication. The family moved to Madison County in 1971 where Gerald began his own business, Harper Sheet Metal. Over the next 20 years, Gerald operated the thriving business serving a number of industries in Northeast Georgia. In 1993, he joined the Escoe Industrial Mechanical team where he worked for the next six years. From 2000 until he fully retired in 2020, Gerald worked in his home shop and free lanced with other local businesses mentoring and teaching young tradesmen. He felt blessed to be able to work and contribute until he was almost 80 years old.

In his free time, Gerald was a homebody. Though becoming a grandfather encouraged him to travel a little, his greatest enjoyment was simply being at home. Whether restoring an old truck or building a trailer he enjoyed piddling in his shop. He was an avid animal lover always having a dog, cat or horse as a companion. He enjoyed breakfast with friends and serving in his church. Gerald was a Christian. He was a member of Gilead Baptist Church.

Gerald was preceded in death by his beloved Linda as well as his parents, brother Sherman and in laws Dillard and Cora Johnson. He is survived by his children Jerry(Lisa), Len(Robin), Sharon Potts(Mark), Brad(Jessica) and Kristy Towler(Simon). He is also survived by his grandchildren Jenell Randall(Jesse), Kyle Harper(Maggie), Kaitlin Crowe(Cary), Samantha Harper, Klancey Ferrer(Drake), Blake Le(Alex), Madeline Hornsby(Matt), Emma Phifer(Ben), Carson Griner(Aaron), Jake Harper(Hayleigh), Emma Sherer, Claire Towler and Sophia Towler. Great grandchildren are Susie, Lydia and Marshall Randall, Dax Gerald Harper, Carter Crowe, Emerson and Emmaline Le, Hudson, Colton and Allison Griner and Eva Bloom Harper. He is also survived by his sisters Shirley Barber and Shelby McCannon and his sister-in-law Nancy Keeler along with several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Tina Porterfield and Bryan and Patty Whitley who were most supportive friends and companions. They blessed his final years.

A grave side service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, July 15 at 11 am at Evergreen Memorial Park in Athens. The service will take place near the Flags of Honor toward the back of the park. Those needing assistance to the site are encouraged to park in front of the flags. The family will receive visitors at 1 pm at Gilead Baptist Church in Danielsville.

Lord and Stephens, Danielsville is in charge of arrangements.