Zechary Arthur Harper was born on January 1, 1957, to his loving parents, the late Arthur Lee and Carrie Lee. Harper. On April 20, 2021, he departed this life and became present with the Lord. As the scripture says, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord…” (II Corinthians 5:8)

A lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio, he graduated from Garfield High School with honors.  He was a standout football player and an award-winning member of the track team.  He continued his education at The University of Dayton and Wilberforce University, where he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Zechary accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age.  He was a member of The Greater Bethel Baptist Church, where he was baptized and attended throughout his life.  He worked at Motor Wheel until his kidney disease pushed him into early retirement. He had 5 children: Jocelyn, Jason, Jolicia “Mickey”, Zechary “JR”, and Jina.

He was creative, with a larger-than-life personality. Those close to him knew that he loved his Whoppers and Coca-Cola. It was not unusual for him to make a Burger King run before heading to dialysis. He would get a few for himself and some to share with other patients, where he was known as the ‘The Mayor’.  He was a funny, movie-loving, wise joke-cracking thinker.  He would challenge you to think and really use your brain.  Zechary was truly loved by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur L. and Carrie L. Harper; niece, Octaviah Harper, and his devoted brother, Derrick Lee Harper.

He is survived by his children Jocelyn (Maceo) Biggers, Jason Harper, Jolicia “Mickey” Harper, Zechary “JR” (Tasia) Harper, and Jina Harper; the mother of four of his children, Rhonda Claridy; grandchildren, Makaiah and Mason Biggers, Trent and Taylor Harper and Ezrah Angeli; his sister, Zemoria (Renard “Renny”) Parnell; his nephews, Renzy (Shante’) Parnell, Remarr Parnell, Ryland Parnell, Rynell Parnell and Dallas (Nicole) Harper; and nieces, Davina (Antonio) Preston, Davon (Randell) Henderson, Zataviah Harper, and a host of family members and friends.