Richard (Rick) Earl Harper was born in Dayton, Texas on November 22, 1947 and experienced his childhood and adolescent years growing up in Channelview and Highlands, Texas. He was born to Frances Earlene Bishop and Roscoe Earl Harper, and was raised by his mother and stepfather Charles Victor Goodgion along with his younger sister, Charlene.
Rick was a veteran of the United States Army, fighting valiantly as a “Screaming Eagle” in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged with the Bronze Star for Valor, as well as the Purple Heart. Rick loved to drag-race his 1969 Pontiac Firebird with his wife, Debra (Debbie), at his side working as his pit crew. Rick and Debbie had two children- John and Jennie- and in May 2019 became a first time PawPaw to granddaughter Samantha. Rick was a fiercely honorable man who deeply loved his family and his Savior, Jesus Christ—his legacy and memory lives on through his friends and family.