|
William Baynard
Harper
was born on Feb 19, 1932, at Schofield Barracks, HI, to Captain
Joseph Howard Harper and Maria Dougherty Harper. Bill was a typical
Army brat, living successively at Forts Monmouth, McPherson, Bragg,
and Benning before graduating from high school in Norfolk, VA, in
1949. Following a year at Sullivan School, he entered West Point on
a Presidential appointment in 1950. A popular classmate in company
D-1, Bill excelled as a member of the USMA Swimming Team and the
Water Polo Club.
Following his
commissioning in the Infantry upon graduation on Jun 8, 1954, Bill
attended the Basic Infantry Officers’ Course, Airborne, and Ranger
Courses. The first of his qualification jumps for airborne was a
newsworthy event, for he made it together with his father, Major
General Joseph H. Harper, the Infantry School commander. Bill met
his first wife, Emily Bailey Walker, on a blind date in Georgia.
They were married quite soon thereafter, as Bill swept Bailey away
from her “southern belle” life into the role of an Army wife.
Bailey loved Bill and they both loved the camaraderie, the travel,
and the true community of the Army. Their two children, Bill Jr. and
Blair, were born in 1958 and 1963, respectively.
After 1st jump, Ft. Benning, GA.
L to R: Bailey Walker (Bill’s fiancé at the time), MG Joseph Harper,
Mrs. Maria Harper, and 2nd Lt. Bill Harper.
Following
short-term company assignments with the 3rd ID at Benning, Bill
opted for Army Aviation and attended flight training in Texas and
then at Fort Rucker. After getting his wings in 1957, he was
assigned to the 101st Airborne, the same unit his father served with
in WWII. He completed instrument and rotary wing flight
qualifications, Infantry Advanced, then served in Korea as an
Infantry Rifle Company Commander until September of 1961. Subsequent
assignments took him to Camp Kilmer, NJ, as aviation officer for
2nd U.S. Army Reserve Corps and back to Fort Benning as a briefing
officer for the Test Evaluation and Control Group Project Team.
Following his CGSC graduation in 1966, Bill served a tour in
Vietnam, supporting the RVN 21st ID and Test & Eval of helicopter
combat roles. Returning stateside to the Pentagon, he served in
staff roles for Army Aviation and OACSFOR. His last assignment
returned him to Fort Rucker at the Aviation School Brigade. While at
Fort Rucker, Bailey died due to surgery complications. That life
change event influenced Bill’s decision to retire from the Army in
1974 after 20 years of distinguished service even though he was on
the O-6 promotion list with orders to attend the Army War College.
His decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, 13 Air
Medals, and 3 Commendation Medals.
Bill’s son went
off to prep school to pursue his dream of flying in the Air Force
(graduated from USAFA Class of 1980), while Bill and Blair moved to
Macon, GA. There Bill met his second wife, Ann Champion, and they
were married in 1976. He stepped right into the role of father to
Ann’s two children, Tom and Carol, and the blended family flourished
with him as “The Dad.” The next decade was a wonderful time in his
life, perhaps best described as his “sweet spot.” Ann and Bill
managed Smith Hardware store near Buckhead, Atlanta, surrounded by
family and friends. The children began to step out of the nest to
college (Blair graduated from Converse College in ’85) but returned
home frequently, and it will be remembered as some of the best times
of our lives.
Bill Harper, Jr. (USAFA grad) was a student pilot at Columbus AFB.
Bill, Jr. sitting in the jet with his grandfather MG (Ret)
Joseph Harper on the right and Bill, Sr. on the left. They were all
smiling because Bill, Jr. placed his 2nd Lt. hat on the
general’s head.
Bill Harper was
the kind of man every person he knew looked to for wisdom, advice,
and understanding. He was attentive when you needed someone to
listen, jovial when it was time to celebrate, and his great sense of
humor was always present to disarm a tense situation or make a good
situation better. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke he
did so with strength, love, and integrity. He was an amazing
listener and truly walked through this life with compassion and
humility. Bill was a beloved husband, father, and friend.
Bill with
Carol, one of his three beloved children.
One thing is
certain: Bill Harper departed this world too early at the age of 52.
Bill was not one to pursue glory and prestige, rather, he invested
his time in people. Whether it was as a commander or a friend, from
the plumbing aisle at Smith Hardware or over a great hand of
cribbage, he was interested in you. His value of the person in his
presence transcended their color or station in life, rank, religion,
status, or sexuality. In every moment of his life, Bill modeled for
us the principle that all people are worthy. Experience has taught
us that while we may forget many experiences concerning another
person, we never forget how that person made us feel. Bill Harper
made us all feel valued, respected, appreciated, and loved. As for
the career achievements and other noteworthy resume highlights that
we have forgotten, this we know: Bill Harper was a genuinely
humble, kind, and thoughtful man with a very deep and tender heart.
Bill, you were the
kind of man that makes this world a better place. Your patient and
gentle nature, your wisdom and tenderness, and your integrity have
all inspired us to live a life such as yours. We will always
remember to laugh at the curve balls that life throws at us, because
you taught us that. And we will cherish every day, living it fully,
because that was the way you did it. Walk tall and face the sky,
Bill Harper, our lives will always be enriched by your spirit.
— Written by Bill
Harper, Jr. on behalf of Bill’s family
|
