Louis Cecil Harper, 91, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, at his home in Douglas, Georgia, surrounded by his wife and four children.
He was born June 21, 1935 in Pierce County, Georgia, to William Berry and Catherine Davis Harper.
He joined the Army in 1952 and proudly served his country in the Korean War. Following his military service, he married his long time sweetheart Ruby and they moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida. After moving back to Douglas, Louis joined Fleetwood Mobile Homes in the early years of the company, which required him and his family to live in Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia and California in addition to Douglas. He and Ruby established and operated multiple local businesses in Douglas. In later years, he and Ruby owned and operated The Drew House in Douglas, and traveled extensively in Europe to select and import antiques.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Douglas, Georgia for nearly six decades, where he served as an usher, Sunday School teacher, a trustee and on various church committees over the years.
He was an avid gardener, a fixer, inventor and tinkerer, with a strong work ethic that reflected his childhood years spent working to help support his family.
His family was his greatest love, and his pride and joy. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and having his entire family around for holidays and special occasions.
He is survived by his wife of almost 71 years, Ruby Spivey Harper; his four children-Billy Ray (Kim); Suzanne (Lynn); Cathy (Kurt); and Berry (Suzanne); seven grandchildren- Brandon (Mary); Logan; Bradley; Cole (Hollie); Mason; Nash; and Cali; five great children- Mila; Josiah; Silas; Grace; and Hallie Brooke; his brother-in- law Rev. Leroy Spivey (Elma); sister-in-law Madeline Jones; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 30 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Douglas, Georgia (led by Rev. Leroy Spivey and Discipleship Minister Brandon Branch), followed by interment at the Douglas City Cemetery. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm prior to the service on Tuesday.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The Louis C. Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund (benefiting Coffee County students), administered by:
Community Foundation of Central Georgia
577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1600
Macon, Georgia 31201
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.simsfuneralhome.org. Sims Funeral Home, in Douglas, GA is in charge of the arrangements.