Craig Norman Harper

Craig Norman Harper, age 65, resident of Collierville and husband of Diane Harper, confronted his struggle against pancreas and liver cancer with informed determination, just as he had done with every endeavor throughout his distinguished career. The broadcast and market research professional, soldiered on, fighting his personal battle against cancer and with solid Faith in his hereafter. He died at Germantown Methodist, April 27, 2015.  Born and raised in Chicago, his roots in the Mid-South were secured in 1975, except for a 10-year position in New York City. He and his wife, Diane, have called Collierville home since 1993. As a radio announcer and voice-over talent, in Indiana and Florida, he expanded his business acumen in Memphis as a Senior Account Executive with the former WEZI radio station. Working with WSIR Radio in Winter Haven, FL, he was the play by play/color announcer for his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox during spring training.  Craig had many talents including an ability to educate which he exhibited with his work in the market research industry.  His first arena was Birch Radio Reports and later with Message Factors in Memphis. Moving on up the ladder, he joined Simmons Market Research as Executive Vice President followed by many years with internationally-known Experian Consumer Research. No stereotypical numbers-cruncher, Craig used his interpretive style to successfully put forth the maximum effort for his company to deliver a powerful product. Using his advertising, marketing, and communications skills, he was known as an industry expert. For many years, he was a trainer with Dale Carnegie, sharing his presentation and public speaking advice with thousands.

In a second career, a follow-up to time served as part of the U.S. Army Military Police, he used his proficiency as a firearms, NRA and chemical weapons training as an instructor with Range Master and recently with Golden Triangle Defensive Tactics. As President of Harper Services Inc., headquartered in Collierville, he specialized in firearms and personal protection training including handgun permit classes and advanced courses for handgun, shotgun and carbine/rifle.

A stalwart volunteer who was always willing to give of time and talent, he was a past board member of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and was often a presenter at professional workshops with the AAF-7th District. He served as President and all elected positions with the Memphis Advertising Federation and was part of the organization management for some 20 years. He was recipient of the prestigious Silver Medal Award for career accomplishments, integrity and the advancement of the communications, advertising industry. For 15 years, ‘Mr. Craig’ was the all-time favorite to contestants of all ages during the annual Rodeo Queen Pageant, as emcee of the event and offering great, free tips on public speaking and speech content.

An innovative leader at the range, the boardroom, or the convention hall, he delighted in working with people to enhance their personal self-esteem and self-assurance. Ever the dignified professional, Craig was one of the best joke tellers around, often belted a huge ‘guffaw’ at his own joke and was even known to break into a song or dance, when pushed!

He and his wife of 33 years, Diane Ragland Harper, worship at Bellevue Baptist Church where Craig also served on the security staff. Together, they enjoyed international travel, especially their visits to Europe where his son, Scott, a helicopter pilot, was stationed with the U.S. Army. Chief Warrant Officer 4, Scott Harper and his wife, Christie are stationed in Ft. Campbell KY. The brightest star in his life who he loved spending time with, was granddaughter Meredith Brooke Harper, a freshman at Mississippi State University.

In addition to his wife, son and family, survivors include his in-laws, Tina and Tony Rowe of Sedalia, CO and six cousins.  He was preceded in death by parents Zelma and Elmer Harper and recently by his mother-in-law, Thelma Ragland.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project in Mr. Harper’s name at www.woundedwarriorproject.org .

Services of Remembrance with Military Honors for Mr. Harper were conducted at 2 P.M. Saturday, May 2nd at the Pollard Chapel of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova with Rev. Darrell Clarke officiating. Interment was private. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center - Main Chapel of Somerville.