Jeffery Ray Harper

The greatest adventure is what lies ahead. -J.R.R Tolken Jeffery Ray Harper’s greatest adventure began on Friday, April 22, 2022. He left his earthly home for the lush pastures and serene lakes of Heaven. His new adventure begins alongside his Lord and Savior who he loved more than anything. His earthly journey started on July 31, 1957, being born to Gwendolyn and Ray Harper at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa. Jeff was a member of the Seneca Cayuga tribe and spent much of his childhood dancing pow wows and spending time outdoors with the Boy Scouts. His father owned Ray Harper Electric in Tulsa and from a very young age Jeff spent many days in the shop with his dad and the employees learning the tricks of the trade. By his teenage years, he had earned his electrical journeyman license and soon after his electrical contractor license. This was a remarkable feat at his young age. He worked for his dad while home from school in the summers. Jeff attended Ozark Adventist Academy in Gentry, Arkansas along with his younger sister Joyce. He later went on to play baseball at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas where he made lifelong friends. After college, Jeff continued to work for his dad until he landed a job with American Airlines as an electrical contractor. He also operated a side business doing residential electrical work. Jeff had a penchant for big trucks, fast cars, and fast boats and had a passion for hunting and fishing. Jeff bought his first boat at the age of 14 with money he won at a Bingo game that he attended with his Granny Ruby. His love of fishing began in that boat on Grand Lake where his parents owned a cabin. He was a regular on the fishing tournament scene for many years competing alongside top professional anglers. His adventures took him on trips to the mountains of Colorado to elk hunt on horseback with his horse Yahoo and his “best” horse Angie who was a “hell of a swimmer”. His love for animals extended to dogs for which he was an avid dog trainer. He was rarely without a loyal hound by his side. In 1982 Jeff married Carol Douglas. They went on to have three children before divorcing in 2003. Jessica, “Sassy”, was his first born. She spent many hours with Jeff fishing, attending B.A.S.S. club meetings, and being her dad’s sidekick before her younger twin siblings were born. Douglas and Julie came along in 1989 and as soon as they were old enough, they joined in the adventures with their dad and sister. Jeff taught them all how to be independent, hunt, fish, handle guns, be aware of their surroundings, and most importantly he taught them how to pray. The legacy of Jeff’s love for his Lord and Savior lives on through them. After many years of being a bachelor, Jeff found the love of his life while strolling the hunting aisle at Bass Pro Shop. His smooth charm and quick wit landed him a catch for the rest of his life. Jeff and Dena Hill married on September 24, 2016, at the Splitlog Church in Grove, Oklahoma which was built by his great-great grandfather. In an intimate ceremony their precious adventure together began. They made their home in Fort Gibson. Through the incredible journey that was Jeff’s life his resiliency and strength and trust in God allowed him to make it an extraordinary experience. He touched many lives along this journey and was grateful for all those who were a part of his life. His life was a physical struggle each day, but despite a lifelong illness, he kept living life to its fullest, without complaint, and persevered until the Lord was ready to call him home. Jeffery is preceded in death by his beloved son and best friend Douglas Harper, parents Ray and Gwendolyn Harper, sister Joyce Parks, and niece Lindsey Parks. He is survived by his wife Dena Hill Harper, daughters Jessica Harper and husband Chad Vinson of Ramona, OK, Julie Edwards and husband Brandon of Talala, OK, niece Katie Smittle and husband Joey; daughter-in-law Jordan Chambers and husband Brian of Muskogee; stepchildren Shelby Gipson of Muskogee, Andrea Gipson, and Troy Gipson of League City, TX; grandchildren Blu Vinson, Everlee and Josie Edwards, and Andy and Ellie Gipson; great nephews Gibson and Forrest Smittle; In-laws David and Linda Hill of Robinson, TX (formerly of Muskogee); Sisters-In-Law Haley Dean and Melissa Hill of Robinson, TX; nephew Aiden Dean; nieces Lillie and Macy Dean and Emily Hill; and loyal hound until the end, June Bug. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, April 30th, 2022 at Cornerstone Funeral Home in Muskogee with a visitation preceding the service from 9:00am – 10:00am. Pall bearers will be Brandon Edwards, Troy Gipson, Steve Luttrell, Matt Moore, and Brian Chambers.

Jeffery Ray Harper

July 31, 1957 - April 22, 2022