Sonny Harper

C.R. “Sonny” Harper, 83 of Ripley, passed away July 22, 2026 at Camden Clark Medical Center, Parkersburg, following a cardiac arrest.

Sonny was born October 8, 1942 , son of the late Harry Willbur and Nannie Smith Harper. He served his country and was a US Navy veteran. Sonny was a man who could do anything, and as his community and family often said, “He’s a Jack-of-all-trades.” He worked in many different professions , just to mention a few, a truck driver where he traveled the entire United States and Mexico and a heavy equipment operator. Sonny was a contractor where he built Amish Pole Barns and Blueprint Designer for several projects. He earned his Private Pilot License and managed Jackson County Airport in its early days. For the last 42 years Sonny and his wife Karen have owned Pool Specialist where he installed many pools in the area and was also a Chemical Expert in maintaining many family pools. Sonny was an Avid Horseman and was passionate about breeding, raising, training and riding which he did his entire life.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Hinzman Harper; his children, Kim Bowman, Shelly Harper (Troy), Stacie (Alex) Ellison, Kari Harper and Mike (Missy) Harper; Mandy Payne, who he considered a daughter; Grandchildren, Bobbi Jo (Joey) Cunningham, Danielle (Mark) Lucas, Josh (Tabby) Merical, Kendra (Graham) Irvin, Jessica (Gage) Sigman, Jacob (Tanika) Taylor, Brianna Hunt (Payne), Kayla (Jeromie) Duckworth, Emily (Cody) Davis, Lanei Ellison and Ella Rae Ellison.; 24 great grandchildren and a host of friends.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Pastor Deron Smith officiating. A time of visitation with the family will be from 4:00 pm until the time of service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com