Bobby Joe Harper

Mr. Bobby Joe Harper, age 89, of Franklin, KY, passed away on July 12, 2025 at the Hospice House in Bowling Green, KY.

There will be a private family graveside service at a later date. His wishes were to be cremated.

Bobby was born November 7, 1935 in Portland, TN to the late Richard Harper and the late Mary Jane Searcy. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Cliffodean (Fleming) Harper; 2nd spouse, Evelyn (King) Harper; step-mother, Nancy (Kieger) Harper; brother, Thomas Harper; and infant sister, Marguerite Harper.

He is survived by three children, Teresa Biggs (Ronnie) of Westmoreland, Jeff Harper (Lisa) of Portland, TN and Pam Satterly (Todd) of Franklin, KY; eight grandchildren, Ashley Cook (Kyle), Jonathan Biggs (Denise), Chris Biggs (Kristina), Daniel Harper (Amber), Bobbi Jo Scott (Zach), Benjamin Satterly (Hannah), Dillon Satterly (Kelli) and Savanah Barnett (Kelby); fifteen great-grandchildren, Dalton Cook, Kenzie Biggs, Kingston Harper, Jolene Harper, Brody Jones, Gavin Barron, BrayLynn Barron, Liam Scott, Ryker Satterly, Everlee Satterly, Tillie Mae Satterly, Reed Satterly, Tate Satterly, Kai Barnett, Kalli Barnett; a sister, Marie Lane of Cottontown, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

Our sweet daddy was a man who truly loved Jesus, and his love for others reflected that every single day. He lived a life full of kindness, generosity, and devotion to his family, faith, and community.

In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, camping, and working in his shop doing woodworking—always ready to lend a hand to fix anything we broke. He owned his own excavating business, where he dug ponds and cleared land, and he was a hardworking farmer who took care of his father’s farm with pride.

He was a dedicated member of Mitchellville Baptist Church and looked forward to being there every Sunday. He served faithfully as a song leader and deacon at Union Chapel in Portland, lifting others with both his voice and his spirit.

In recent years, he loved riding his scooter through the neighborhood, visiting friends and spreading joy everywhere he went. So many people have shared stories of those visits—proof of the warmth and love he gave so freely. His smile and hugs were truly unforgettable.

He was an amazing husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa who cherished every moment spent with his family. His presence was a gift, and his love leaves a lasting legacy in all of us.

We will miss him deeply, but we rejoice knowing he is now at peace and celebrating in Heaven with Jesus.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory. The website is www.gilbertfhonline.com. The Facebook page is Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. The obituary phone line is 270-586-8844.