Murphys, CA…Born July 11, 1927 to William Tolliver Harper II and Ollie May Cole in Stockton CA entered into eternal peace surrounded by family on September 16, 2017 in Murphys following a short illness. William was preceded in death by parents William and Ollie Harper, sister Mildred Jane Moran, son Herbert Allen Harper, and grandson Vincent Thomas Egan Harper. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bonnie Maxine Harper, children William Tolliver Harper IV (Victoria), Robert Jeffery Harper (Therese), Thomas Athearn Harper (Pam), Donald Prince Harper (Susan), Mary Elizabeth Harper, 9 precious grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Mary Jeanne Bissell, 3 nephews, 1 niece, and many cousins including a very special cousin Dorothy Mae Bramwell.

As a native of Stockton, he attended local schools graduating in 1941 from Victory Elementary School, in 1945 from Stockton High School, and in 1950 from the University of California at Davis. Seaman 1st class, William Harper, was called to honorably serve our country nearing the end of WWII as a member of the United States Navy.

He married the love of his life Bonnie Maxine Athearn on May 28, 1950 and raised their 6 children in Stockton before moving to Murphys in 1980 to support his mother following the loss of his father.

He enjoyed a long career in the agricultural canning industry, working for MorPak, Tillie Lewis, and Stanislaus Foods spanning over 45 years.

In his lifetime William (Bill) enjoyed playing, coaching, and supporting various sports which included youth baseball, adult baseball, Stagg High School football/baseball, Bret Harte High School baseball/softball/girls basketball, UC Davis football/baseball/softball/women’s basketball and loved his San Francisco Giants. Most notably, his love for baseball taught his children and all he coached how to play for the love of the game.
His love for the mountains will ever be remembered by family and friends who had the pleasure to hike the peaks and trails and fish the rivers and lakes of the Sierra Nevada’s with him. He was also known for his story telling and historical recall abilities that will remain in our hearts forever.

The family would like to extend our appreciation to Hospice of Amador & Calaveras County and to the special caregivers that tenderly looked after him over the years: Chris Barnes, Sherill Singleton, Tina Harker, Linda Wyrsch, Shelly DuQuette, and Cease Costa. There is a special place in Heaven for those who provide care to others.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday September 23rd at the First Congregational United Church of Christ located at 509 N Algiers St in Murphys with a reception will follow. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to your local Hospice, Ebbetts Pass Historical Society, or Calaveras County Humane Society in his name.