Steve Allen Raper, age 61, of Russellville, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at his residence after an extended illness.
Steve was a jack of all trades, an electrician, a carpenter, HVAC technician, and could do just about anything. He worked for 15 years in maintenance and retired from Phil Campbell Housing Authority. Steve was always willing to help everyone, always putting others first and never putting himself first, and had a heart like Jesus. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Steve loved him. Steve worked hard all of his life to provide food, clothes, and shelter for his boys, who he loved with all of his heart, they were his everything. He loved to fish and in his younger days, spent countless hours teaching his boys how to ride horses, which he was passionate about. His wife, his sons, and his grandchildren were his world. Life will never be the same without Steve, but we know he is no longer struggling with his health issues, and he is finally at peace.
He was preceded in death by his father, L.D. Raper; mother, Helen Bowlin Comeens; and his four-legged best friend, Lil Dan.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of ten years, Lori Cochran Raper; sons, Nick (Amber) Raper, David Raper; stepdaughter, Kylie Ingram; grandchildren, Kree-Lynn Raper, Adalee Raper, Owen Raper, Laleana Raper; honorary grandson, Dalton Cochran “Squirt”; stepfather, Darell Comeens; sisters, Judy (Milton) Timmons, Brenda (J.R.) Glasgow, Linda Lindsey; and a host of nieces & nephews.
The time of visitation will be 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 04, 2024, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel with Bro. Darren Steward speaking at the service. The burial will be at Franklin Memory Gardens.
The pallbearers will be Brad Lindsey, Eric Glasgow, Randy Cochran, Jimmy Sloas, Dalton Cochran, and Gary Dolan. The honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Welborn, Josh Timmons, and Rick Lindsey.
The family would like to express a sincere heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff from Alabama Hospice of the Shoals. A special thanks to Grace Gunn, Nakeshia Harris, and in the final hours, Nurse Heather Patterson for taking such great care of Steve. Also, a sincere thanks to his favorite caregiver, Susan Hudson. We love you all.
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.
