Obituaries

Retired Lieutenant Randolph Alan Harper, 79 of Charleston, SC passed away on February 14, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Randy was born on August 5, 1944 in Harlem, NY, the son of the late Randolph Leonard and the late Iris Naomi Harper.

Randolph enlisted in the United States Navy right after graduating from high school. As a young sailor, Randolph married Roslyn Joann Smith. They celebrated 55 years of marriage in August 2023. He served for 26 years in the US Navy and retired at the rank of lieutenant in May 1989. His last assignment was at Fleet Mine Warfare Training Center in Charleston. Randolph served in the Vietnam war and completed many tours of duty throughout his 26 years of service. While he was in the Navy he received his Associate in Arts degree from the University of the State of New York and his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University. Randolph received his Masters degree in Health Services Administration at the Medical University of South Carolina in 1993. He served as the finance officer for University Medical Associates at MUSC.

In addition to his wife, Roslyn Harper, Randolph is survived by their 4 children, Babette Starling Hamilton (Grant Lewis), Tracy Harper Shelton, Tiffany Nanette Hicks (Joe Hicks) and Randolph Damon Harper and his 10 grandchildren, Sean Hamilton, Taylor Hamilton, Morgan Hamilton, Kylie Jennings, Emma Shelton, Harper Hicks, Pendleton Hicks, McKinney Hicks, Roslyn Harper and Ivy Harper. His sister Marieta Lorelle Harper and his three nephews, Manford, Mylistso, and John Chinkhota.

Randolph was a member of the brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He joined at graduate chapter. He was a lifelong NY Giants fan. Randy loved all technology and loved when new gadgets debuted. Whenever he returned from his tours, he would always bring home a new gadget from overseas for his children and a doll for his wife’s collection. He was a cinephile, and especially loved Sci-fi. He introduced this love to his children early on, and when he asked them to go, usually Tracy and Tiffany went. He also shared his love of movies with his grandkids, and there were many trips to the movies during summers and Thanksgiving breaks at Nina and Papa’s house.

The Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024, 2:00 PM at the funeral home.