Howard "Piggy" Harper, Jr.

October 19, 1940 - January 28, 2018

Howard "Piggy" Harper, of Charleston, went to heaven on Sunday, January 28, 2018 peacefully at his home. He was a retired career soldier in the United States Army where he served with distinction, serving two tours in Vietnam. After his retirement from the Army he worked until his second retirement for Symbol Technologies. He was a member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Sissonville, WV and, with the exception of his time in the military he was a life-long resident of Charleston, WV. He was a loving father of four, grandfather of eight and he had three great-grandchildren. He is deeply missed by his family. Born October 19, 1940, in Charleston, WV. he was the son of the late William Howard and Goldie (Willard) Harper. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Lawrence, Delbert, and Robert; his sister Irene McCune, and by his grandson Andrew Tyler Harper. Survivors include his sons, Richard (Kimberly), of King, NC, Andy (Misty) of Charleston, and Philip (Jennifer) of Sissonville; his daughter, Cassandra (Doug) Escue of Culloden; Grandchildren D.J. and Zachary Escue, Cara Elizabeth Hager, Charity, Courtney, Tre and Emma Harper; and his great grandchildren Mallory and Darren Escue, and James Hager. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday at Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home with Dr. Richard Harper officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, in Dunbar, WV. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home. The family will accept online condolences at: cpjfuneralhome.com Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the Harper Family.