Michael Wayne Harper Obituary

June 24, 1957 ~ May 16, 2025 (age 67)

Michael Wayne Harper born on June 24th, 1957, and passed away May 16th, 2025.

Mike put himself through school and made the Dean’s list starting a lifetime of service. He was co-owner of the Royal Theater in Valley working nights while working as a paramedic in the day. In 1977, he and David Arrington opened Central Alabama Service. In 1981 he became the director of the City of Valley EMS.

Mike was married to Florence Kelley in June 1983. They remained together until her death in 2017.

Mike began a 33-year career with EAMC EMS in February 1992 where he was a dedicated paramedic. He taught many new medics at Southern Union.

Mike is survived by sister Sherry Lackey and her husband Randy. Stepsons Robert Nix and Russell and wife Polly Nix.

He also leaves behind many friends and colleagues. A special thanks to his friend Magan King who has stayed by his side during his illness.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife Florence, parents Emory and Ruby Harper. Infant brother Jeffery and brother Ricky Harper.

The family also thanks Don Upshaw, Dr Sunil Sharma, Dr Brandon Johnson and DR Cabelka for their dedicated attention to Mike during his illness.

Graveside services for Mike will be held on Monday, May 19th, 2025, at 11:00 AM (EDT) at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika, Alabama. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 18th, 2025, from 6 – 8 o’clock PM (EDT) at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley, Alabama.

Please visit Mike’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family to share a memory of Mike, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his Memory.

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.