Norvell Harper

Bill was born in Oak Grove, LA in 1943 and passed away in Shreveport LA after a lengthy illness on August 23, 2023.  He is survived by his wife Marianne (Mary) Taylor-Harper of Keithville, LA; his sister, Erline Davis, Belcher, LA; his brother Al Harper, West Monroe, LA; his children, daughter Cheryl Caldwell, Rockwell, TX; and son Scott Harper, Dallas TX. Bill was also proud of his grandsons Cal Harper of Tyler, TX, Christian and Davis Caldwell, of Rockwell, TX.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Louisiana. After moving to Bossier he attended Waller Elementary, Rusheon Jr. High, and graduated from Bossier High School in 1961. He then joined the U.S. Navy serving on destroyers in VietNam and was proud to be a Tin Can Sailor for the next five years. Moving to Shreveport, LA Bill joined The Tool & Die training program at Warren Electric /AT&T/Lucent and retired from that job in 1995. During those years at WE, Bill married his high school sweetheart and he enjoyed working hard for his young family.

It was in 1979 that Bill met and befriended Mary Taylor, the first female tool-and-die worker.  Six years later, they both found themselves single and their relationship blossomed for 44 years.  Bill loved dogs, gardening, fishing, and camping with friends.  Bill suffered declining health for the last eight years and liked watching TV in his recliner with his dog in his lap.  Bill entered Willis Knighton Pierremont Hospital and was surrounded by his family when he passed.  Before his death, Bill got his wish and was brought into the Catholic Church.