Tommy Sonny Harper, Sr., 81 years of age, passed and entered into rest on August 10, 2025, in Batesville, Arkansas, surrounded by family.
The late James Harper and Geraldine Taylor Harper welcomed him into the world on September 5, 1943, in Batesville, Arkansas. He has lived in Batesville his entire life and has worked as a rest area attendant for the Arkansas Highway Department for more than 25 years.
Tommy was a devout man who was a member of the Batesville AME Church. He was a lifelong NBA enthusiast and enjoyed playing basketball in his younger years. He frequently spent his days fishing, gardening, cleaning his yard and rental houses, washing cars till they were spotless, and visiting relatives. He loved to grill, host family and friends, and share his wife’s banana pudding and a wonderful pecan pie. Warm gatherings, delicious meals, and laughing were all commonplace in his house. Tommy was most happy when he was around his family.
His parents, son Robert, daughter Yvette, six sisters Catherine, Theodora, Ruthie, Faye, Opal, Margaret, and Shirley, and four brothers Charlie, GeRoy Bub, John Doe, and James Sr. all passed away before him.
Tommy’s loving wife of 55 years, Betty Barris Harper, his son Tommy (Robin) Harper, Jr., his daughter Cecilia Smith, nine granddaughters, ten great-grandchildren, his sister Leona Neely, and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends are all left to cherish his memory.
The Celebration of Life will take place at Willis Funeral Service in Batesville, Arkansas, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The nephews of Harper, Sanders, Washington, and Neely will all serve as honorary pallbearers.
Tommy will always be known for his kind disposition, unwavering work ethic, and ability to make everyone feel like family. His life served as a living example of faith, family, and the small pleasures that add value to life. The memory of his smile, his work-worn hands, and his welcoming spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
