Reverend Garey Lee Harper passed away Sunday, August 30, 2026 at his residence in Nauvoo, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Visitation will be Friday, September 4, 2026, from 6-9 p.m. at Nichols Funeral Home in Haleyville. His funeral will be Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Enon Missionary Baptist Church in Lynn, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
He was a preacher for the last 68 years and a devoted member of Enon Missionary Baptist Church, where he cherished his church family and treasured the many friendships and memories made throughout the years. His faith was a central part of his life and he found great joy in serving the Lord and those around him.
Garey was a hardworking Christian man who found pride and purpose in the simple, meaningful things in life. He was a farmer, logger, avid hunter and pastor who loved being outdoors, working with his hands and sharing his faith with others. His faith in God was an important part of his life and he found joy and purpose in serving the Lord and encouraging those around him. Above all, he was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather who cherished his family and the time spent together. His strong work ethic, love, love of the outdoors, steadfast faith and strength will be remembered by all who know and love him.
Garey is survived by his daughters, Sheila Frost and Sharon Kirkpatrick (Joey); son, Wayne Harper (Sherry); brothers, Don Harper (Billie) and Charles Harper (Alice); sister, Bobbie Jean Moore; grandchildren, Craig Frost (Leah), Jennifer Schaffer (Christopher), Andrea Kirkpatrick, Amanda Collins (Jimmy), Haley Harper (Matt), Cassidy Rice (Austin) and Shana Harper; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Kylen, Madeline, Annabelle, Draven, Bentley, Logan, Raylan, Olivia and Kaden; great-great-grandchild, Ariah and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Odie and Gladys Harper; his loving wife of 58 years, Opal Harper; daughter, Caroline Harper; brothers, Gathel Harper and Roger Harper; sisters, Irene Gunter and Genise Harper and son-in-law, Gilbert Frost.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Southeast Hospice, along with all the wonderful nurses, including Ashley, Mckenzie, Angie, Jordan and Kaylee.
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