Mr. Alvin Raper, 79, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Westwood Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born May 24, 1940 in Davidson County, NC to the late Willie G. Raper and Evelyn Cole Raper. He was also preceded in death by his son, Justin Bray Raper and a brother, Herbert Lee Raper.

Alvin was a graduate of William Penn High School, class of 1958 and attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He was employed at Acme Sample Books for 40 years, having retired in 2010. He also worked at Sears as a supervisor. He served in the North Carolina National Guard Army for 6 years with the rank of SP-5 and was honorably discharged on August 18, 1969.

Alvin was a member of First Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he served on Usher Board #2 for over 40 years and 15 years as President. He was also President of the Rowan Baptist United Ushers for approximately 10 years. He supported the Missionaries and worked with the head of Senior Usher Board #1. Alvin taught that a good usher that is prompt is an asset to his or her leader and church. Also, discipline and courtesy in an usher are essential as religion. Alvin also served as President of the Trustee Board for an extensive amount of time.

Surviving to cherish his memories are his wife of 51 years, Shirley McBee Raper of the home; sister, Geraldine Raper of High Point, NC; two aunts, Helen Cole Jones of Greensboro, NC and Doris Cole Shoffner (Garnett) of Omaha, NE; two uncles, Herbert Cole (Eugenia) of Harrisburg, PA and Robert C. Cole (Carrie) of Springfield, VA; two sisters-in-law, Gladys McBee Chavis (Glenn) and Karen Gray Atkinson (Jim) both of High Point, NC; two nieces, Marcia Davis and Monica Davis both of Boston, MA; four nephews, Iya Rory Chavis and Trey Chavis of High Point, NC; James Atkinson, Jr of Winston Salem, NC and Ryan Atkinson (Kasey) of Charlotte, NC; numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at First Emmanuel Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.