Charles Howard Raper

Rev. Charles Howard Raper, age 69, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital.  Mr. Raper was born February 19, 1952, in Murphy, NC, to the late James Oliver Raper and the late Lourina Mashburn Raper.  He was a member of River Valley Baptist Church.  Charles was well-known for his selling and trading business.  He enjoyed taking care of his chickens, fishing, listening to gospel music, and just being with people.  He loved his church and especially his family.  Mr.Raper was preceded in death by his father, James Oliver Raper, mother, Lourina Mashburn Raper, brothers, Marcus Raper, Tom Raper,  Hoyt Raper, Bill Raper,  Bud Raper,  Pearly Raper, Goldman Raper, and Guy Raper, his sisters, Lillian Allen, Dorothy Webster, Gertrude Kilpatrick, and the mother of his children, Louise Raper.

Survivors include his son, Charles Clinton Raper, daughters Betty Jean Raper Jones, Jeannie Raper Romesberg, and April Raper Land, sisters, Maggie Stiles,  Louise  Davenport, Irene Mathis, Reba Davis, Mary Long, and Marie Nations, his brothers, Truman Raper and Henry Raper,  his grandchildren, Cory Raper, Tiffany Raper, Clinton Romesberg, Isaac Romesberg, Kristian Romesberg, Sierra Jones,  Eli Jones, Madelyn Land, and C. J.  Land,  and host of nephews and nieces.

Funeral services: Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the River Valley Baptist Church, with Rev. Doug Payne and Rev. Doug Pritchett officiating.  Music provided by Cody Cantrell.  Interment will follow in River Valley Baptist Church Cemetery.  Pallbearers: Jordan Cochran, Keith Mashburn, George Mashburn, Matt Gallman, Jason Tipton, and Jamie Lance.  Honorary pallbearers: Cory Raper, Clinton Romesberg, Isaac Romesberg, Eli Jones, and C. J.  Land.

The family will receive friends at the River Valley Baptist Church of Murphy Thursday, January 27, 2022, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Due to the rise of COVID cases, the family requests those attending visitation and funeral service to please wear masks.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC,  you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com