William Earl Harper was born on January 8, 1939, in Drew, Mississippi, to the late Ike and Rennie Harper. 

William attended Mississippi’s public school system where he played baseball. William moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he stayed for a few years before he moved to Miami, Florida. There, he worked at American Plumbing and Lumberyard until his health started declining.

His Christian experience began in the home and at Bible Baptist Church where he was on the usher board. He was a faithful member until his health could no longer allow him to make it to the house of the Lord. 

William was known for his pretty eyes, dressing from head to toe, and his dancing.

William was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, twelve brothers, and one son, Kenneth Harper. 

He leaves to cherish his memories: his children, Deborah Ann Loggings, Brenda Eldridge (Robert), Marilyn Harper, William Harper, Jr. (Barbara Jean), Dwayne Harper (Reytoshia), and Krystal Holmes; grandchildren, Byron Anderson (Demetria), Roshonda Stewart (Chris), Angelina Harper, Whitney Harper, Christian Harper, Lakeshia Grays, Michelle Harper, and Mariah Harper; brothers, Larry Harper, Henry C. Harper, Lanzell Harper, and Joe Harper; special loved ones, Ms. Betty Shaw and Ethel Harper; devoted friends, Vernice Holmes and Tasheeka Lynn (Terry); great-grandchildren, Brittany Anderson, Nicolas Stewart, Eric Williams, Jr., William Thomas, Aaliyah Thomas, Alliyah Thomas, Timaya Stovall, and Nicholi Anderson; two great-great-grandchildren, Jaden Johnson and Michael Harper; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.