Earl L. Harper

Obituary For Earl L. Harper

In Loving Memory of Mr. Earl L. Harper, Jr.
Born on October 17, 1956, in Saint Augustine (St. Johns County) Florida, Earl was the beloved son of the late Mr. Earl L. Harper, Sr. and Mrs. Bernice Lacey Harper of Saint Augustine, Florida. He was one of three children. Earl’s formative years were spent in St. Johns County, where he attended Saint Augustine High School. He graduated with the class of 1975, and was blessed to recently attend his 50th Year Class Reunion. Following high school, Earl attended Ed Waters Junior College in Jacksonville, FL. He held a position in public education working diligently as a Custodian at West Jacksonville Elementary School. For a brief but meaningful chapter in his life, Earl worked as a Barber/Stylist, while also lending his skills to culinary arts. He relocated back to Saint Augustine where he remained deeply rooted in his hometown throughout his adult years.
Earl had a good sense of humor and would always have a quick, witty comeback regardless of the situation. He had a creative spirit and found joy in culinary arts and crafts. He loved to cook and often volunteered to prepare his favorite dishes for large family gatherings. He had a passion for bringing the beauty of anything old and discarded back to life. Those who knew Earl also knew his keen sense of style. He was eccentric, but in a positive way and had a flamboyant personality. He prided himself in looking sharp and making a statement wherever he went. Earl embraced his uniqueness. His artistic flair was evident in his love for bright and bold colored clothing and hats. He never shied away from simply being “fabulous.” His love was genuine and his generosity was sincere, arguably to a fault. He would not hesitate to give the shirt off of his back for those in need. His presence will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Earl was preceded in death by his father, the late Earl L. Harper, Sr.; sisters (Toni D. Harper and Cheryl (Harper) Terry); grandparents (Arthur James Lacey and Mattie Bell Lacey) and Ms. Essie B. Hatten; seven uncles; three aunts; and one nephew.
Earl is survived by his cherished and devoted mother, Bernice L. Harper of Saint Augustine, FL; his loving brother, Rick R. Harper, Sr. (Kimberly) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his (6) beloved nieces; two nephews; (10) adoring great-nieces; (10) great nephews; and a host of treasured cousins, other relatives, and close family friends, all of whom he loved dearly.

Visitation: 6-7 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2026, at Antioch MB Church, 833 Pearl St, St. Augustine, Florida

Celebration of Life: 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Antioch MB Church

Interment will be held in Evergreen Cemetery

Send flowers to the service of Earl L. Harper