John Henry Raper, Sr., 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 10, 2016.  He was born in Wilson County on May 23, 1922 to the late Luther L. Raper and Minnie Best Raper.  He served his country in the US Army during WWII in 3 of the 5 major campaigns.  He was a meat cutter/market manager at several grocery stores.  He was a loyal member of Beacon Baptist Church for 57 years where he served as deacon, treasurer, Sunday School teacher and served on staff as Associate in the Caleb’s Kin (Ministry to the elderly) in addition to many other capacities.  John’s life was characterized by his servant’s heart. He and his wife Dorothy served at the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, cooked for many church camps and frequently opened their home to those in need.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday, September 13th at 4:00 P.M. at Beacon Baptist Church 2110 Trawick Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604 with the Reverend Tim Rabon and Pastor Emeritus Dr. Randy Cox officiating. Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, September 14th at 1:00 P.M. at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 809 West Gannon Avenue, Zebulon, NC 27597.

Surviving: His loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Dorothy Mae Batchelor Raper; son, John Henry Raper Jr. (Patty) of Knightdale; daughter, Faith R. Watson of Lowland; 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Cathy R. Briggs, a host of nieces, nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Ray, Ernest, and Irving Raper, and son-in-law, Reverend Nick Watson.

Mr. Raper’s request was rather than flowers, contributions be made to the Beacon Baptist Church Building Fund.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Beacon Baptist Church following the service from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. and other times at 104 Amity Drive, Knightdale, NC 27545. 

 Service Information