1964-2026
Richard Allen Harper, 62, of Vilonia, Arkansas passed away suddenly on May 31, 2026.
He was born in North Little Rock, AR on March 22, 1964, to Lynda and Charles Harper. Richard was preceded in death by his father.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marjoree Mike Harper; daughter, Madison Harper, and son, Patrick Harper; mother, Lynda Harper, sister, Tracy Eckroth, brothers Scott Harper and Steve Harper. nieces and nephews Kameron Eckroth, Kaitlin Eckroth, and Ophelia Harper as well as a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Richard graduated from Jennings High School, and attended the University of Louisiana Lafayette as well as Northwestern State University and Bossier Parish Community College, where he obtained his Associate’s Degree in Radio Broadcasting. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity as well as the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Richard joined the United States Navy on October 6, 1987. After completing submarine school, he served as a Radioman assigned to the USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) and later was assigned to recruiting duty, where he retired as a Navy Counselor Petty Officer 1st Class on October 31, 2010. After his military career, Richard served as a recruiter for various companies in the Louisiana and Arkansas areas with his most recent position being the Talent Acquisition Specialist at Caterpillar in North Little Rock, AR.
Friends and family will remember Richard as a devoted Christian and a true salt-of-the- earth man—kind-hearted, loyal, patriotic, hardworking, and a faithful provider. He never shied away from a good political debate and was a passionate Arkansas Razorback fan. Above all else, the things he cherished most were his family, his friends, and his country.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026 with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at The Cowboy Church in Conway, AR. Burial will follow at theVilonia Cemetery. Food and fellowship will be held at The Cowboy Church following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s or The Gary Sinise Foundation.
