Benny Charles Harper's Obituary
HARPER, BENNY CHARLES, aka “The Silver Fox” better known as “PaPa” was born March 16, 1937 in Dallas, Texas and went home with his Lord, January 4, 2014. He was the third child of Lewis and Mary Harper, joining brother Lewis and sister Peggy. He attended North Dallas High School and excelled as a star athlete in multiple sports, playing quarerback for the varsity football team, and was also a member of the Bulldogs basketball and baseball squads. Benny joined the United States Navy as an air controllman in 1955 and served until 1958, stationed in Alameda, California. While in the navy, he was also an all-star athlete on the service branch’s football, baseball and basketball teams. Following his term of service, he entered Henderson County Junior College in Athens, Texas in the fall of 1958 where he was elected freshman class president and played quarterback for two outstanding seasons, making lifelong friends along the way. He began his 50 year career as one of Dallas top car salesmen in 1960. In 1967 he married his wife of 46 years, Marinell, and became a father to 6 year old daughter Traci. His second daughter Jalene was born in 1973, who later married her husband, Terry McCallum and gave him two wonderful grandchildren, Morgan and Carson, who were the light of his life, along with his most recent joy, great granddaughter Sophie. In 2012 Benny retired to continue to enjoy his family, friends, and hobbies of golf, fishing, Baylor football and rooting for grandson Carson’s Shock baseball team. Benny will be remembered by many for his kind heart, charming quick wit, and love of family. Benny was a true original and will be greatly missed. Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Monday, January 6, 2014 at Restland Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at Restland Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Alzheimers’ Foundation.
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