A. B. Harper, 96

Southlake, TX — A. B. Harper, 96, passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2012 in Southlake, TX. Service: 11 am Saturday, May 19, Fairfield Glade Community Church, 924 Snead Dr., Crossville, TN. A. B. was born on July 15, 1915 in Clarksville, TN to Burr and Nettie Harper. He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Marie Harper and his daughter, Gwenn McKinzey. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who cared deeply for his family. A.B. began his career as a schoolteacher in a one-room school in Lafayette, Tennessee. During World War II he worked in secret on the atomic bomb project in Oak Ridge, TN. A.B. later became a design engineer working on solid rocket motors in Huntsville, AL and nuclear vessels in Chattanooga, TN. He was a passionate fisherman, bridge player and golfer. Memorials: Should friends desire, memorials may be given to the Lion’s World Services for the Blind, 2811 Fair Park Boulevard Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. Survivors: Son, James Harper and wife Zo, Westlake, TX; grandchildren, Sherry McKinzey, League City, TX; Barry McKinzey, Tuscaloosa, AL; Lesley Bartley and husband David, Brentwood, TN; and Jay Harper and wife Lindsay, Carmel, IN; great-grandchildren, Vincent McKinzey, Hadley Harper, Cole Harper and Harrison Bartley.