ETOWAH, TN – Dan Harless Harper, born May 13, 1937, in Etowah Tennessee, departed earth October 10, 2019 exactly three months and one day after his beloved wife, Jessie Lou Bell Harper whom he joined in holy matrimony on May 17, 1958. They were married for 61 years.
Dan was a cook by trade and worked for the University of Tennessee Dining Services for more than 40 years. He found great joy in cooking with his wife, fishing, hunting and sitting on his front porch with family and friends.
Dan was a dedicated and active member of Boyd Street Church of God serving as a Deacon until his health prohibited him from doing so.
He was preceded in death by his wife; son, Gregory W. Harper; daughter, Felecia M. Williams; mother, Helen (Albert) Dickerson; father, Chester Shoots; sister, Ruth Ann Gillis and son-in-law, Ernest Forbes, Sr.
Dan leaves to cherish his memory: devoted daughters, Linda Forbes, DeAnna (Aubrey) Davis, Carla Harper and Sherry Harper; grandchildren, Nekita (Nick) Slappy, Shandia (Mitchell) Rudd, LaShandia Smith, Jimmy Harper, Sherida Kyle, Carlos (Richard) Harper, Jarvis Harper, Kendall Harper, Brian (Tamika) Harper, Shatoya (Antonio) Myers, Ernest Forbes, Jr., Gregory E. Harper and Justin (Katie) Freeman; several great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty McKinney; a host of loving relatives and friends.
Thursday, October 17, 2019, the family will receive friends 12 to 1 p.m. with graveside service to follow at Berry Highland South Chapel, 9010 Simpson Road, Knoxville, TN. Elder Ricky Cade officiating.
A white dove release will conclude the service. Flowers may be delivered to the chapel on the morning of the service. Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com