William F. Harper M.D., born January 12, 1944, in Pine Bluff, AR, passed away on September 1, 2022.  He was preceded in death by his parents Alexander and Lois Harper and his brother Robert Harper.

After graduating from Nederland High School, 1962, he attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.  He attended the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston (UTMB), graduating in 1970.  After an internship and residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, he served at Clark Air Base, Philippines and McDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida.

Honorably discharged, Dr. Harper established a 17-year Internal Medicine practice in Pine Bluff, AR, before moving to Galveston, Texas, and continuing to care for patients. His ever-evolving career brought him to the main campus of UTMB where he was awarded an academic appointment as Professor of Medicine and was involved with medical education. During his vast and versatile career, he served as Chief of Medicine and Chief of Staff for the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System in Temple, Texas. He was appointed Professor of Medicine at Texas A&M School of Medicine before moving to Alabama and serving as Chief of Staff of the Veterans Medical Center in Birmingham.  In retirement, Dr. Harper returned to Texas and volunteered to share his knowledge with medical students teaching the Art of the Practice of Medicine.

He touched many lives as a hands-on clinician, teacher, and mentor.

Bill Harper was a man of character and compassion. A gentleman. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was known to many as the man with the "magic stethoscope" and is easily managing his signature hat and a halo.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy, their daughter, Katharine McCormick (William) and grandchildren Harper and William McCormick; their son Wil (Kristin) and grandchildren Jack and Charles Harper.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Dr. Harper's memory can be made directly to the American Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation .

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8th, 2022 at Ramsey Funeral Home.

The graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8th, 2022 at Central Texas State Veteran Cemetery in Killeen, Texas with honors to be rendered by the United States Air Force.