Billie Joe Harper, Sr.

Billie Joe Harper Sr. passed away on Monday May 29, 2023 in Lafayette, LA at the age of 82. He was surrounded by his sons on the night of his passing. Billie Joe Harper Sr. was born on February 21, 1941 to Frank and Mittie Harper. Joe, as he was often referred to by those who knew him, graduated from Merryville High School in 1959 and afterwards enlisted in the United States Airforce as an Air Policeman with the 456th Combat Defense Squadron.

After fulfilling his service in the Armed Forces, Joe spent the rest of his career in the oilfield achieving the position and retiring as a senior drilling foreman for Arco Oil and Gas. He would earn a reputation along the Gulf Coast which would eventually lead to a successful consulting practice after retirement. Throughout the years Joe’s work, both in the Air Force and oilfield, would allow him to do the thing he loved most: travel and experience the world. He would inevitably settle in Merryville, Louisiana with his late wife, Regina Maricelli Harper. The only fulfilling passion above Joe’s love for adventure was his devotion to his family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Billie Joe Jr. (Russiel) Harper, Boyd (Paula) Harper, and Brian Harper; sister, Betty Young; nieces, Cindy (Joe) Mulkey and Monna (Keith) Myers; nephews, Bart (Maryanne) Young, Buddy (Jo) Harper, Donald Ray (Denise) Harper, and Brad (Becky) Pippin; sister-in-law, Ann Harper; grandchildren, Blake Harper, Brandin Harper, Loryn Harper, Bailey Harper, Baillen Harper, Ava Rutnicki, and Greyson Harper.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Neely and Mittie Fowler Harper; brothers and sisters, Frank “Bo Peep” Harper, Bobbie Harper Evans, and Donald “Donnie” Ray Harper.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.