William ‘Bill’ Harper, carpenter, craftsman

William “Bill” Harper, 90, of Millsboro, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021. Bill was born in Plainfield, N.J., and grew up in North Plainfield where he lived for most of his life.  After high school he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and when he returned home, he worked as a carpenter and later became a member of the UAW working as a millwright for Mack Truck and General Motors.

Bill and his wife Carolyn moved to Millsboro when he retired, and he quickly became a dedicated member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes. He used his craftsman skills working on many projects to improve the interior of the church.  He was most proud of the preservation wall he designed and constructed to showcase the restored stained glass from the original Bethel Church. Bill also served as the head usher for many years, doing his best to make everyone who came to church feel welcome, remembering the names of church members and introducing visitors to people he knew would make them feel as comfortable as members.

He was devoted to his wife of 67 years, Carolyn, who passed away in September of last year.  When she began losing her sight, he became a champion of BlindSight Delaware, taking Carolyn to meetings and working with their staff to help improve the quality of life of the blind and visually impaired. He was also one of the people who formed the Parkinson's Education and Support Group, the first in this area.

He is survived by his daughter, Judy Harper of Brooklyn, N.Y., and his son, Jim Harper of Basking Ridge, N.J.

A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. Memorial donations can be made in his memory to Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W 4th St., Lewes, DE 19958.

Visit Mr. Harper's Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com