Roger Lee Harpe Jr.

Roger Lee Harpe, Jr., 87, of Asheville, NC, entered his eternal home on Friday, October 6, 2023.

Roger was born May 16, 1936, in Eagle Mills Township of Iredell County, NC, to the late Roger Lee Harpe, Sr., and Mary Elizabeth Dare. He was the oldest of three children and is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Cothren, and brother, Henry Harpe.

Roger was married to the late Geraldine Ellen Brown for 47 years and three children were born from this union: daughter, Lee Harpe Davis (Edwin), and sons, Keith Cordell Harpe (Patty), and Steve Randall Harpe (Tamera). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Graig Davis (Vanesa), Marissa Gunn (Allen), Matthew Davis (Kirby), Ashley Fortner (Tyler), Alex Harpe and Brandon Harpe, who lovingly knew him as “Papa,” often shortened to “Pop.” His grandchildren blessed his legacy with seven great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons.

Roger is also survived by his wife of 17 years, Jerlene Harpe. They loved jigsaw puzzles and traveling together. They even visited all 50 states! Roger was fond of her children, Vickie Soesbee (Johnny) and Timothy Bailey (Maria), and granddaughter, Danielle Bailey.

Roger was an executive with Boy Scouts of America for Stokes, Surry and Buncombe Counties. He was an Eagle Scout with bronze, gold and silver palms and was also a recipient of the Order of the Arrow. He was owner of The Carpet Barn and Mr. Handyman in Asheville. He was also a long-time member of Emma Fellowship Church.

Roger’s legacy is marked by love, compassion and his generosity that remains an inspiration to his family and friends. His memory will forever live on in their hearts.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Emma Fellowship Church, 55 Adams Hill Road, Asheville. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Entombment will then take place at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.