Obituary of Raymond Harper

Raymond J. Harper, 51, of Howell passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. He was born in Lakewood and settled in Howell with his wife, Tracie. Raymond was the Director of IT for the U.S. Equestrian Federation for 17 years before becoming an IT consultant. He was also a member of the Central Jersey Pistol and Rifle Club of Jackson for 18 years. Raymond was a life member of the NRA and participated in the SCA and was an original member of the House BloodGuard of the East Kingdom. He was known as Lord Shoric MacGregor and had been a fighter in the household. Raymond was an avid shooter at the range and was a true Renaissance man. He brewed Honey Wine, weaved chain mail, and grew his own ghost peppers. Raymond had a passion for traveling and had visited England, France, Prague, Germany, and Lithuania. He enjoyed finding new restaurants and great diners. Raymond had many memorable trips to Rhode Island and New York and left spirited comments on Facebook. Above all, Raymond was a loving husband, brother, and uncle. He had a heart of gold and always helped others when they needed it.

He was predeceased by his mother, Elisabeth Harper; aunt, Angelina Sergiano; and grandmother, Helen Koehler. Raymond is survived by his wife of 23 years, Tracie Harper; two brothers, James Harper, Sr. and his wife, Jackie, of Howell, and Kenneth Harper and his girlfriend, Jamie; nieces and nephews, Ryan West, Allison West, James Harper Jr., Victoria Harper, Lia Nelson, and Alexa Harper; and his fur baby, Penny.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. For the safety of the public and our staff, we are asking everyone to help us adhere to the CDC guidelines. Facemasks will be required. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:00 AM funeral service at the funeral home on Thursday, December 31, 2020 with his interment to follow in St. Mary’s of the Lake Cemetery, 1 Honey Locust Road, Lakewood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Raymond’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com