Gerald “Jerry” Warren Harper, Sr., 69, entered his heavenly home on Saturday, July 20, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of almost 30 years, Jacquelynne (Jackie) Harper; their children, Gerald Harper Jr. and wife, Keri, Jonathan Weller and fiancé, Naruemon; “adopted” children, Juan Ray, Steve Sykes, Brett Troia and wife, Kim, Paula Hasson and husband, Rick, and Krista Riddick and husband, Steve; grandchildren, Rachel Harper and partner, Shawn, Ethan Harper, Mali Intheng Weller and Declyn Harper; “adopted” grandchildren, Corey, Kyleigh, Aubrey, Jordan, Rylan and Olivia; great-grandchildren, Noah and Mackenzie; his brothers, Lewis A. Harper Jr. and his wife, Virginia, and William Lawrence Harper; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry is predeceased by his parents, Lewis and Viola Harper.

Jerry was a member of First Baptist Church, Suffolk. Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. Following his military career, Jerry continued to serve his country as a defense contractor at Technical Systems Integration Inc., Chesapeake.

A special thank you to Sentara Obici Hospital ICU doctors and nurses for the amazing care and compassion they gave to Jerry. And a heartwarming appreciation to Dr. David Edgell of First Baptist Church, Suffolk.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at First Baptist Church, Suffolk. The Rev. Lindsay Poteat, the Rev. Michael Turner and the Rev. Micah Voight will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the church as well as one hour prior to the funeral service.

Burial will be at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the First Baptist Church, Suffolk, 237 N. Main Street, Suffolk, VA 23434.

H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, Norfolk chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.