Richard E. Harper, SR.

Pastor Richard Edward Harper, Sr., 76, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, peacefully transitioned from this life into the presence of the Father on May 19, 2026. For we know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. His work is finished.

Richard Edward Harper, Sr. was born on August 23, 1949, to Theodus Albert Harper and Lula Mae Young Harper in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He graduated from Langston High School in Hot Springs, Class of 1967. He participated in the band throughout his school years, beginning in elementary school, where he played the trumpet, trombone, and bass tuba. He especially loved being a member of the high school marching band.

Immediately after graduation, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a Vietnam War veteran and a member of the American Legion. Richard enjoyed his military career immensely. After retiring from the Air Force, he later received his bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University.

Richard accepted Christ at an early age. He was later called to the Ministry, where he faithfully served and was ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ. Richard served in the local church, in the Malvern district, and the Arkansas First Jurisdiction. He served faithfully as associate pastor under the leadership of Elder Terry J. Smith. He was installed as pastor of St. Phillips Church of God in Christ on December 18, 2010. His passion was to serve and please God while helping people whenever or wherever he saw the need.

Richard loved his family, friends, church, food, music, and sports, especially the Kansas City Chiefs. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, servant leadership, and deep love for his family and congregation.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Theodus Harper, and brothers, Charles Albert Harper and I.W. Harper.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Pearl L. Harper; children, Richelle Harper Thompson (Jayson) of Conway, AR, Richard Edward Harper, II (Klassic) of Little Rock, AR, and Michelle Marie Harper of Hot Springs, AR; his mother, Lula Mae Harper of Hot Springs; two brothers, Larry Harper (Julie) of Hot Springs, and Kenny Harper (Linda) of Madison, AL; two sisters, Darnell Harper and Brenda Sephus (Reginald), both of Dallas, TX; seven grandchildren; and a host of dear in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends.