February 14, 1945 – April 7, 2026
Mr. Norman “Bobby” Harper, 81, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Tuesday evening, April 7, 2026, at his residence.
Bobby was born February 14, 1945, in Fannin County, Georgia, a son of the late James Lawrence and Edith Allen Harper. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty years, Wanda JoAnn Southerland Harper, who passed away on October 16, 2010; a son, Daniel Anthony Harper, who passed away on November 28, 2009; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William Sherman and Elizabeth Beatrice Parks Southerland; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmy and Judy Harper, Jay and Glenda Harper; sisters and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Terry Smith; and sister, Faye Harper.
Bobby was a 1963 graduate of Northwest High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he spent his entire working career as a long-haul truck driver, retiring from U.S. Express, Inc. He took great pride in his work and the life he built on the road. Alongside his longtime truck driving partner and dear friend, Reuben Bagley, the two logged over a million miles together on a single truck—an accomplishment he cherished and often spoke of.
Bobby loved the simple pleasures of life, especially mowing his yard and spending time outdoors, always “piddling” and keeping busy. Known affectionately as the Patriarch of Winwood Drive, he deeply loved his neighborhood and the people in it. Above all, Bobby loved his family. He is now reunited with his beloved wife and son, whom he missed dearly.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Micheal and Jennifer Harper of Dalton, Georgia; grandchildren, Rhett Harper, Taylor Harper, Chelsey (Joshua) Jones, and Sydney Harper; great-granddaughter, Aurora Elizabeth Jo Brown; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Angie and Charles Chastain, Dale Southerland, Scott and Amy Southerland, and Larry and Linda Southerland; special friends, his truck driving buddy, Reuben Bagley, and his neighbor, Francisco Silvers; along with several nieces and nephews.
In honor of Bobby’s life, his family will have a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Ponders Melrose Chapel to help with final expenses.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, Georgia. “Your Selected Independent Funeral Home”
