Rev. Paul Ray Harper, age 78, of Turtletown went home to be with his Lord on Monday, July 20, 2020 at his home. He was born on April 1, 1942 in Murphy, NC to the late George "Garland" Harper and Juanita Lucille Turner Harper. Rev. Harper was a minister at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Blairsville for eleven and one half years, Turtletown Baptist Church for twenty-nine years and Pleasant Hill (River Hill) Baptist Church in Murphy, NC for six years and. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. Rev. Harper loved the Lord, helping others, and to garden. He was involved in the jail ministry in both Fannin County and Polk County. Rev. Harper was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Garland Harper. Survivors are his wife of fifty-four years, Patricia Harper of Turtletown, TN; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Brandy Harper of Turtletown, TN; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Rev. Josh Ledford of Hiwassee Dam, NC; four grandchildren, Justin and Haley Harper and Jamison and Ally Ledford; several nieces, nephews, numerous cousins, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. from the Turtletown Baptist Church with Rev. Brad Ledford and Rev. Josh Ledford officiating. Music was by Janice Reid. Interment followed in the Turtletown Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Justin Harper, Brian Ledford, Robin Stiles, Randy Collins, David Goode and Tim McArthur. For those desiring contributions may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 1375, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill was in charge of the arrangements. . Visitation Akins Funeral Home - Copperhill Wednesday, July 22, 2020 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM 823 Ocoee StreetCopperhill, Tennessee 37317 Directions Funeral Service Turtletown Baptist Church Thursday, July 23, 2020 11:00 AM Highway 68Turtletown, TN 37391 Directions