Ray Harp

LINDEN TX- On Thursday, April 4, 2013, Norman Ray Harp, 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior. He was a member of first Baptist Church of Atlanta. Ray was a gentle soul, a respectful businessman and a loving and devoted husband, father and pawpaw. Ray wa preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Lorena ORand Harp, two sisters, Suellen Harp Bailey and Alethea Harp Belcher, two brothers, Bobby Harp and Albert Harp, and grandson, Brian James Head. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris Starrett Harp; one daughter, Donna Head and husband, David, of Atlanta; two sons, Danny Harp and wife, Paula, and Dennis Harp and fiance, Teresa Necaise, all of Atlanta; one sister, Dorothy Harp Harris of Linden; one brother, Terry Harp and wife, Linda, of Naples; seven grandchildren, Jon Head and wife, Tamy, Holly Kelton and husband Ryon, Hannah Ross and husband, Nick, all of Atlanta, Micah Harp and wife, Amanda, of Hooks, Heath Harp of Texarkana, Blake Harp and Chase Harp of Marshall; ten great-grandchildren, Madison Head, Austin Head, Duncan Kelton, Lucy Kate Kelton, Gabriel Kelton, Garrett Kelton, Annabelle Harp, Sadie Harp, Max Ross, and Chaise Rene Harp. Ray was born December 4, 1925 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He grew up in Jefferson and worked with his family in the sawmill business until he joined the Marion Corp in 1945. After serving his country in WWII and his Honorable discharge in October 1946, he attended Linden High School and that is where he met and fell for the love of his life, Doris Starrett. After marrying on July 5, 1947, Ray and Doris began their life together in Linden. Ray used the GI Bill to become a watch repairman. He worked for Jimmy and Laurice Gilbert at Gilbert Jewelers in Linden until establishing his own business in 1953 in Hughes Springs. In the year of 1965, Ray and Doris brought their business to Atlanta where they felt there was a brighter future They worked the business until selling for their sons and son-in-law in 1997. They both retired at that time to enjoy their remaining years with family and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, April 8, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Linden with the Revs Joe Srygley, Chris Cowen and Frank Worley officiating. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Cass County. He will lie in state beginning at noon on Sunday at the funeral home with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8:00pm. In leiu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Atlanta Building Fund.