Hershel Eugene Raper, age 84, of Farner, TN passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024 in Farner. He was born on March 4, 1939 in Etowah, TN to Harvey and Vinnie Farner Raper. He worked for many years as a drill operator for the Tennessee Copper Company. Hershel was of the Baptist faith and served as a life-long member and Deacon of Community Baptist Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

Hershel is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Vinnie Raper; wife, Anita Raper; siblings, Helen Raper, Mary Ellen Raper, and Willard Raper; and great-grandson, Zechariah Palmer.

He is survived by his children, Medra Palmer, Gena (Morris) Graves, Tina (Tim) Brawley, and Keith (Lisa) Raper; brothers, Everett Raper and Clyde Raper; grandchildren, Jessica Garrett, Joshua Palmer, Raymond Akens, Courtney Johnson, Dustin Graves, Devin Graves, and Grace Raper; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. from the Akins-Cobb Copperhill Chapel with Rev. Paul Ray Morgan officiating. Music was provided by Vickie Martin. Interment followed in the New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Raymond Akens, Dustin Graves, Devin Graves, Joshua Palmer, Josh Garrett, Zachery Johnson, and Aiden Garrett.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill, TN was in charge of these arrangements.