Obituary of Charles Lindy Harper

Dr. Charles Lindy Harper, PhD ("Charlie) journeyed home to be with His Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 27th at UNC Hospital.  Charlie passed peacefully and was surrounded by his children and loved ones.

A native of Lenoir County, NC Charlie left home at age 15 with an adventurous spirit and the idea to sell books during the depression.  Shortly thereafter, he determined military service a better option and joined the US Navy where he went on to serve in WWII.  

Charlie married Katherine Hatcher in September, 1948 and together they had four children.  After his honorable military service, Charlie attended Presbyterian Junior College, the University of Kentucky and completed his academic studies at UNC-CH where he obtained his B.A. degree, his MSPH followed his PhD in Public Health in 1972.  After numerous positions in Public Health, Charlie returned home with his family to Chapel Hill where he proudly served as professor and Associate Dean of the School of Public Health, retiring in 1985. Charlie published an autobiography in 2003 which is still in print. Charlie made a true difference in the lives of so many.

An avid UNC basketball and football fan, fisherman, gardener and tennis player, Charlie enjoyed a great game of tennis until he was 89, a true inspiration to others.

Charlie was blessed to have had two beautiful marriages. He is predeceased by his beloved wives, Katherine  who passed away in 1990 and  Melba who passed away in 2005, his son Charles Lindy, Jr. and his son Terry Lee.  He is survived by his son Mark Harper, his daughter Kathy Harper Lewis (Roger), his stepsons Gray Ragland (Linda) and Rodney Ragland (Lisa) and his step-daughter Rhonda Berglar (Pete).  Charlie was a proud grandfather to 19 and great-grandfather to two, all of whom he loved dearly.

The Family will receive friends Friday, March 30th from 5 - 7 pm at Walker's Funeral Home in Chapel Hill.  A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 31st at 11 a.m., also at Walker's Funeral Home immediately followed by graveside services at Markham Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, Charlie's family has requested memorial contributions be made to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC-CH. 

Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill has been entrusted with caring for the Harper family.