Marvin Raper

Obituary - Marvin Raper
Marvin Raper of Murphy, NC passed away November 4, 2011 at Mission Memorial Hospital after a battle with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) brought about by complications from heart surgery.
Marvin was born September 7, 1945 in Marietta, GA to Gertrude (Thomas) and Arthur William Raper.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother Hubert who passed away in February 2011.
Marvin is survived by his wife of 43 years Terry (Gibson) Raper; daughter & son-in-law, Tara & Derek Sena; gran-daughters Marceline & Erika Sena; sons, Nathanael & Christopher Raper; mother, Gertrude Raper; brother, Hoyt Raper; sister, Lavaughn Fair; sister & brother-in-law, Verniece (Tootsie) & Joe Kilpatrick; sister-in law, Dorothy (Oliver) Raper; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Marvin grew up in Union County, GA and Cherokee County, NC, where he graduated from Murphy High School. He was always friendly, energetic and outgoing. He was a zealot toward devotion to family and friends. Moreover, Marvin was very civic minded. He was always looking for opportunities to use his enthusiasm and drive for the betterment of Cherokee County and his neighbors. In a word, he was a GIVER; whether it was tomatoes from his garden, a helping hand, stumping for his political party, working for the church or serving on a charitable committee, he had an infectious community spirit.
Marvin accomplished a pleather of notable achievements in the business and civic arena. He started his professional career as a brick mason but soon became a grocery store proprietor in Andrews, NC. Soon thereafter, he discovered his real passion and became a Real Estate Agent. Along with his brothers Hubert and Hoyt, as well as his sister-in-law Dorothy, they built a well-respected Real Estate Development and Brokerage firm in Murphy, “Raper Realty” where Marvin served as president.
Other examples that demonstrate his energy and devotion to civic responsibility include his service on and/or as the following in Western North Carolina:
President - Cherokee Chamber of Commerce
Chairman - Democratic Party - Two Terms
Commissioner - Cherokee County
Board Member - NC Department of Transportation, 14th District, where he was very instrumental in getting Highway 60 upgraded as well as many other roads in Cherokee County.
Board Member - NC Engineering & Land Surveying Licensure Board, where he was Vice Chairman during 1981 - 1984.
Director - Cherokee County Board of Health
Member - R.E.A.C.H. Board of Directors
Member - Board of Directors Pisgah Girl Scout Council
Chairman - S.M.E. Pisgah Council
Member - Pack Place Arts & Science Council
Member - United Community Bank Advisory Board, Murphy Branch

Up until his passing he was very active in civic projects and politics. Marvin was a dear friend and confidante to many and will be missed. The family will receive friends between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM on Monday, November 7, 2011 @ Cochran's Funeral Home in Peachtree. His funeral service will be in the Cochran Chapel @ 2:00 PM. Reverends Aud Brown and Calvin Murphy will officiate. Music by Susie Graham and Becky Brown Interment will be in the Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery in Union County, GA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marvin's memory at:
The Rathbun Center
121 Sherwood Road
Asheville, NC 28803
Attn: Caryl Dean - House Director
or
Bethany Baptist Church - Cemetery Fund
Attn:, Glenda Herndon
788 Old Culberson Rd
Murphy, NC 28906
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.