William Graham Harper
July 27, 1951 ~ July 12, 2023
William Graham Harper, born in Bryn Mawr, PA, on July 27, 1951, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
A long-time resident of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Graham (as he preferred to be known) graduated from Haverford Township Senior High School in 1969. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. Graham had a lifelong love of music, and was blessed with natural vocal ability, often singing solos in the church choir and school choral productions. He returned to his love of music following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, performing for many years in Wildwood, NJ, as part of the duo, Harper & Casey. Graham relocated to the Fort Lauderdale, FL, area in the late 70s where he continued performing and remained a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. He moved to Old Town, FL, in 2006, working as a graphic artist and photographer. He resided in Old Town with his mother, Adelaide H. Jackson, and continued his residence there following her death in 2021. Graham will be fondly remembered for his innate musical gifts, his comedic timing and sense of humor, and his great big, heart-warming bear hugs.
Mr. Harper is survived by his sister, Jane Harper Shuluk (Joseph C. Shuluk) and his nephew, Harry C. Shuluk. He is predeceased by his older brother, Richard T. Harper.
Inurnment will occur at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Music Will (musicwill.org).
Arrangements have been placed under the care of Crevasse’s Simple Cremation, Gainesville, FL. Please sign the online guest book at crevassesimplecremation.com
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What good memories I have of you. I am so glad we were in each other’s lives and I had the privilege of knowing you for years. A big presence with such a bright soul and great sense of humor. You are deeply missed in this life, and I wish your next life is full of love, laughter, singing, and peace.
Love, Harry
Although we did not have the privilege of knowing you well we do know how much you were loved and admired by your family. A gentle man who embraced life in his own way. Rest peacefully.
I'm sorry we hadn't gotten together more often and played and sang like we used to. Those were good times and good tunes.
Glad we reconnected back in 2017. The Eagles super Bowl victory was a blessing for the both of us. Seeing you down the Jersey shore a few times was something to remember. Rest in Peace my cousin.
Billy, I hope you are at peace from life’s trials and tribulations. Jane, Harry, and I will miss you and loved you. I will miss your sense of humor, particularly your ability to mimic voices:)
You had a beautiful, soulful voice and will always remember your singing at our wedding.
Be at peace with Louie.
Love, Joe
“Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic”—Van Morrison
My dear brother Billy, I am heartbroken and I will miss you forever. My memories of growing up with you and hearing your beautiful voice will live on in my heart forever. I truly hope you will now be at peace. Let your spirit soar—fly Billy fly!
I am sadden to hear of Graham's passing, he was a wonderful guy and friend. He will be missed by many.
Bill, I will always remember the fabulous times we shared after school in your living room listening to The Doors. So sad you are gone. Say hello to The Lizard King. Much love, Elayne
How sad to hear this news on your 72nd birthday. Rest in peace, Graham…or Bill as I knew you way back when in HHS.
What a great time we had at the Manor Bar , summer of 77 in Wildwood. So many memories. Rest In Peace, Graham. My heart hurts. Hope Louie is taken care of 💔
Thinking of you every day, especially today, on what would have been your 72nd birthday. Peace and love.
Rest in peace dear friend. Your light is now and will forever be missed.
It was always a treat to hear from you after all these years and hear about your love affair with your Les Paul. Rest well, Bill
I’ve known you for 20 plus years , establishing our friendship on the Eagles discussion board, and how our friendship endured through the years and miles apart. Eagles opener just wasn’t the same without you, Eagle Graham ! Love and miss you and will never forget you, dear friend
Love and miss you Graham!
Fly Eagles Fly
Dear friend,
It's my hope and prayer your soaring with the Eagles, playing music and cracking jokes with the big guy in sky.
May your beloved Philadelphia Eagles Win the Super Bowl in honor for one of their biggest fans
Missing you 🙏
Graham (his nickname to many of his musician friends was “Harp”) met traveling on the road in a band in 1972. Amazingly, over the many years since, we remained friends. We even ended up working for the same company. He will be missed.