Thomas Franklin Harper

Thomas Franklin Harper, 91, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. He was born on March 13, 1934 in Colquitt, GA, to the late Gertrude and Martin Harper. He grew up in Miller County, and joined the Air Force at 17 years old. During the Korean conflict, he served as a medic, and continued to serve until his retirement from the Air Force on 1 October, 1971. Shortly after retiring, he began work at the US Post Office, where he worked for 20 years before retiring in 1992.

Thomas was a beloved family man who loved having his family around and helping them whenever possible, and was incredibly devoted to his faith. He was very active at Azalea City Church of God, where he served as their Wednesday night director as well as holding other roles throughout the years. In his free time he loved to mow grass on his John Deere lawnmower, and enjoyed helping family and his community by mowing their lawns. Another pastime of his was playing dominos.

He is survived by son and daughter-in-law Frankie & Livia Harper of Hahira; daughters and sons-in-law Vicki & Glen Sutton, Debbie & Steve Akins, and Anita & David Whitmer, all of Valdosta; grandchildren Dewayne Sutton, Thomas (Stefanie) Sutton, both of Valdosta, Stepheny Akins of Albany, Stephen Akins of Valdosta, Bryan DeLoach of Hahira, Jonathan Harper of Nashville, Danielle (Aaron) Sapp of Valdosta, Joseph (Jodie) Whitmer of Valdosta, Rachael Whitmer of Valdosta, and Gregory Frier of Valdosta; great grandchildren Allison (Austin) Todd, Gracie Sutton, Kayla Akins, Stevie Akins, Hunter (Katie) Akins, BraeLee Smith, Cohen DeLoach, Colten DeLoach, and Lincoln Sapp; great great grandchildren Nova Jane Sutton, Kaidyn Todd, Watson Smith, Harper Akins. Additional survivors include: his sister-in-law Opal Green of Frostproof, FL and numerous nieces and nephews.
Thomas is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Harper; daughter, Theresa Frier; brother, Bill (Juanita) Harper; and sister, Nettie (Frank) Gowan.

A memorial service for Mr. Harper will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Carson McLane Funeral Home chapel with burial following at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Pastors Brett Jarriel and Raymond Gabbard will officiate. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home