F. Stephen (Steve) Harper, born March 30, 1927, passed peacefully on February 6, 2017 at the age of 89 years.

He is a veteran of the United States Army and he was an integral part of the undefeated football team for Fort Benning, ​which brought home the int​ra-service trophy and he made the roster as a starting left hand pitcher for the University of Vanderbilt Baseball Team.

Following his educational experience at Vanderbilt University he joined the staff of the Newspaper Printing Corporation, later merging with the present Tennessean newspaper, fulfilling career of 39 years.

But by his own estimation, his greatest success and triumph came after meeting his future wife, Judy, on a blind date shortly after his service discharge. It was to prove an inseparable union that was to last for nearly seven decades.

F. Stephen (Steve) Harper’s death comes less than two months after the passing of his wife Judy L. Harper. The two are now reunited after a brief pause in their union of more than 68 years. A joint memorial service for Steve and Judy will be conducted at First United Methodist Church in Dickson, TN at a date to be determined.

Cremation and funeral arrangements are being made through Cheatham County Funeral Home, with interment to be made in the Harper family plot in Forest Hill Cemetery, Ashland City, TN.

To view F. Stephen (Steve) Harper’s obituary in its entirety visit Cheatham County Funeral Home at http://www.cheathamcountyfh.com/obituaries/F-Harper/#!/Obituary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Steve’s memory to the Dickson County Humane Association, the Nashville Humane Association, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of one’s choice.

Cheatham County Funeral Home can be contacted at (615) 792-2552 or their website can be viewed at http://www.cheathamcountyfh.com.


Cheatham News extends condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Harper’s family and friends.