William H. "Punchy" Harper, Jr.

William Howard Harper, Jr. was born on May 20, 1949 to Marie and William Howard Harper, Sr. William Jr. aka “Punchy” had the honor of being ushered into the presence of God on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 1:25 a.m. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Robert Metts, Sr. and one brother, Robert Metts, Jr.

He leaves to cherish fond memories, the love of his life, his wife, Carmen Yvette Harper of 36 years; his children, Felita Reese (Jerry), Shanay Harper, Dewon Greer (Connie), William Howard Harper III, Stanley Hunter, Jerell Hunter (Jessica) and Brandon Hunter. Punchy was the oldest of six children: Marion Peterson (Allan), Shelly Wiley (Lonnie), Roberta Rice (Eugene), Robert Metts, Jr. (deceased) and Michael Metts (Lisa), all residents of Cincinnati, OH; Yolanda Shanks, sister-in-law, Eboni Appleton, sister-in-law, Andre Shanks, brother-in[1]law, Antonio and Kim Lyles, brother and sister-in-law, and Rosemary Blanks, mother-in-law.

Punchy graduated from Lincoln Heights High School in 1969. He was employed by Berry’s Super Market in Lockland as a bagger and stock clerk. His heart was helping and securing peoples’ safety in performing his duties. He once helped a grandmother and her granddaughter by carrying her groceries across the street for her and securing them to the cab stand safely, not knowing that the granddaughter would later become his wife of 36 years until death.

He was later employed by Stearns & Fosters in Lockland, OH for 10 years and was one of the hardest and dedicated workers within the company. As a side hustle, he was recognized as one of the Baddest DJs that existed. He and Carmen met people from all walks of life and professions. He was a jack-of-all-trades. He also worked with dispersal systems, landscaping, event helper, and lastly before his death, once again securing what he loved best, caring, and protecting people in his role as a security guard. He was proactive when it came to getting things done.

Punchy dedicated his life to the Lord at a young tender age, along with his parents and siblings under the leadership of Dr. Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson XII, Bibleway Church of God in Christ. While a young member, he cultivated his love of music by playing percussion instruments and participating in the choir. God anointed Punchy with a talent for music at an early age. As the family migrated to another ministry for many years, Punchy returned when the church became Bibleway International Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Overseer Carl Whittaker, Pastor.

This is what Pastor Whittaker had to say about his member: “Punchy was special, he was a great asset to our ministry through the years. As a young boy, he played the drums passionately. He was faithful and worked diligently as a security guard for our ministry. He worked until his day was done and is now enjoying in the presence of Jesus and the joys of the Kingdom of Heaven. He will always have a special place in my heart and the hearts of his Bibleway family.” It is so and so it is!

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