Eric Harper was born on January 30, 1950 in Argo, Illinois. He was the third child of seven to James and Cora Lee Harper who were united in marriage for 40 years. He had six siblings, Olivia, James Allen, Pamela, Spencer, Esther and Steven.
In his early youth, he confessed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Argo, Illinois. There he participated in the youth choir. After high school he enrolled in the University of California Berkeley. In 1969 he was drafted out of his freshman year of college into the US Army. During his first two years in the military he had the opportunity to play basketball throughout Europe. He absolutely loved it. When his 2 year term of service ended he returned to Northern California to go back to UC Berkeley. However, Eric chose to reenlist about a year later. He rose to the rank of sergeant and served as an armorer, working on all weaponry. One year into his enlistment he went back home to Argo, Illinois on an extended leave. There he reunited with his childhood friend Barbara Burt. They had known each other since the age of 12 and Eric always boasted that one day she would be my wife. Within 30 days of reuniting Eric proposed to Barbara and they were married. To this union they were blessed with their firstborn Kimberly Harper, whom he lovingly nicknamed “Prudence”. He enjoyed taking her to the park, playing his music on his reel to reel while she sat on her beanbag chair and in later years watched her compete in track and field.
After serving a total of 6 years, Eric proudly retired with honors from the US Army in 1976. Following his retirement he served in the private sector in a number of positions then embraced a successful and industrious career as a sales representative for the last 25 years. Eric and Barbara’s family grew as they were blessed with their son Rashaad. Eric took Rashaad on long drives in search of the best hot dog and BBQ joints and also taught him basketball skills that he uses in coaching young people today. Seven years later they were blessed with their baby girl Brittney who brought him much joy. He sang to her on the way to school, followed her track and field events and was proud when she also excelled in sales being promoted to management. To this loving family God blessed them with Shon Faye whom Eric enjoyed cooking for, watching him play sports, loved it when Shon sang for him, and was proud to see him develop his own business. God also blessed the family with Eric Collins whom Eric was glad to see grow into a caring and loving father.
Some of the joys of Eric’s life included the family’s Wally World summer vacations where they explored various amusement parks in different states each year searching for the ultimate rollercoaster thrill. He enjoyed bike riding with his friends, watching and playing sports and even planted a rose garden for Barbara. In addition to being a hard working man, Eric had a passion for collecting and listening to good music like Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and Bob Marley. He could often be found sitting on the balcony, aka “the boardroom”, with his brother from another mother, Christopher Stubblefield. His other passion was cooking delicious food, a skill which has been passed on to his children and grandchildren.
Yet Eric shared his love and generosity beyond his immediate family to extended family dear friends. He had some interesting nicknames from his friends and family including, “Daddy Eric”, “Papa”, “Uncle Money”, “Miracle Man”, “Super Hero”, “Candyman” (because he gave the kids in church sweet treats), and “Ike (I don’t need no help)”!
When Eric fell ill he fought multiple health battles to stay with his family. He kept fighting to see his children succeed and his grandchildren grow up. He stressed the importance of always being together. Toward the end he most enjoyed the company of his entire family. Eric wanted all of us to always have a smile on our faces and his last admonishment to us was, “to be strong, do the right thing, stay together, and everything’s gonna be alright.”
Eric accepted his wings as his breath of life was returned to his Heavenly Father on July 28, 2020 at Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills, CA.
Eric Harper was preceded in death by his parents James and Cora Lee Harper; his two brothers James Alan Harper, Steve Harper; his sister Olivia Harper and his great grandson Christian Eric Harper.
He leaves to cherish his memory: His devoted wife of 49 years, best friend and soulmate Barbara Harper (Winnetka, CA); His children, Kimberly Harper-Eleri (Winnetka, CA), Rashaad Eric Harper (Angela) of Woodland Hills, CA, Brittney Harper (Valencia, CA), Shonzael Faye (Mission Hills, CA), Eric Collins (Atlanta, GA); His Aunt, Juanita Griffith (Argo, IL; His two sisters, Esther Harper (Atlanta, Georgia), Pamela Hall (Decatur, Georgia); His brother, Spencer Harper (Minneapolis, MN); Eleven grandchildren, Alexis Harper (CA),Jeric Branch (AZ), Derrell Robinson (SC), , Macari Collins (GA), Kyra Eleri (CA), Maya Eleri (CA), Jayden Harper (CA), Charles Eleri Jr. (CA), Bobby Graham Jr. (CA), Caleb Collins (GA), Hunter Collins (GA); Great grandchildren, Ray’shad Tate (CA), Prince Kilkenny (CA), and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and special friends.
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suzanne timpton
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I am so sorry you are gone, but the Lord is in control. I know your family and friends will miss you, but now you are with the Father, and that will always be the best place to be. God bless you Eric, I remember our younger days in LaGrange. you will be missed!!!
Jennifer McGee
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I remember thinking as a child that when someone is cool, they must be like my Uncle Eric. Whenever I was around him, there was music playing, cool music. I think the first time I heard Rick James was while riding in his car on the way home from school. Uncle Eric was was not only cool, but he was strong. He fought to stay here for his family, but now he doesn’t have to fight anymore. He’s at peace. He will always be with his family because we will always have our memories. Rest well, Uncle.
Beverly Mackey
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Auntie, I’m sending you and the entire family my love and hugs. I’m with you all in spirit as you celebrate the home going of my beloved Uncle Eric. He was definitely one of a kind! Whenever I think of him I smile. I’m grateful for the time God allowed us to have him near, and for all of the wonderful memories I will forever hold dear. Praying God will continue to comfort and strengthen you all.
Michael Tompkins
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I know that this pain will subside in time. And it will be turned into the foundational truths that Eric Harper represented as a Black Man; A Husband, A Father, A Grand Father. But more importantly his work with believing in God’s best for him and his family.
And that. I know huh. michaeltompkins
Sheila Burt
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He was the best, kind cousin a person could ever have. Always a smile on his face. He loved his family and extended family. A kind but educational word was always spoken in love. Rest In Peace cousin Eric. Blessings to you Barb and the family! He will truly be missed.
Cousin Sheila and Aunt Virgia Burt
Jocelyn Burt
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Cousin Eric was a kind and generous man who readily opened his heart and home to others. One of my earliest and fondest memories is of him barbecuing for my family and I in the snow on his back porch in La Grange, IL. That same giving and loving spirit remained evident in all the times our families shared and throughout his life. He will be missed.
Barbara, my condolences, prayers and much love to you, Kim, Rashad, Britt and the family.
Eric Tong
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Dear Barbara and family,
I feel very fortunate to have known and taken care of Eric for twelve years. I truly enjoyed talking with him about his life and basketball at every appointment. It is the strength of Barbara and family that allowed him to overcome so many obstacles to maintain his quality and passion for life. i will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.
Andre Wycoff
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May fond memories of your life with Eric Harper bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Paul & Marilyn Tidwell
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Our deepest condolences to the Harper Family.
My fondest memories would be the several trips we took down the coast of Mexico to visit his family member. The one of most notoriety was when we went down to Mexico to tow his Jeep back to Cali. When we got to the shop where he left it the Jeeps engine and transmission were out of the car. It took us all day and three different shops to collect all the parts.
We also shared some great church services together over the six years he attended the church. Rest in power Eric!
Maya
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My thoughts and prayers to the entire family. I pray for strength and comfort that God will see you through this difficult time.
Breckney (Burgundy) El
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Burgundy
Peace and greetings to the family. My prayers are with you. Uncle E was the title I gave him because he welcomed me into his home. I am close friends with his children. He was full of laughs smiles very caring always about family. I remember going to there house for the first time in Northridge and seeing video game and pin ball machine in there garage I nicknamed them the Cosby’s. He will be truly missed and I love you all.
Vickie Davis
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Great memory of when i first met your dad, along with your mom – Kim while at an outdoor event at Living Praise Church. Your dad was really enjoying himself; the outdoors, the music, great food, lots of people, just enjoying the moment. And wow! That was some 15 years ago when that took place. I remember your dad had a really nice blue colored jogging suit on. The color stood out. First time I’d seen one that color. Always thought your dad to be a very nice and very friendly person.
Juanetta Griffeth
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Rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord. You will be missed my dear cousin. Family hold onto the memories to sustain you. God in His infinite wisdom said Eric you fought a good fight you’ve ran the course now come on home my good and faithful servant and I will give you rest. . .
Alfred Easter
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Eric and I se worked together and we played hoops together for years in Chicago. We grew up in the same town, my friend will be missed but never forgotten . RIP My Brother
Dinesh Modha
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My thoughts and prayers are with you . ??
Dinesh Modha
Barbara Gatlin Henderson
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Don’t just rest Eric, get something good going up there?
I will see you again and I won’t forget the MILK….
I’ll miss you until then??
Donna and Jamie Crockett
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Family we love you with of out hearts. God has an amazing soldier. He fought a good fight and has now earned his wings. As I write I’m broken but I know that God has him. That gentle laugh and concern that he showed without words but with his eyes will be missed! We love you guys and will continue praying your strength.
Rest Soldier
Love Always
The Crocketts