Arnold "Arnie" Harper

ADRIAN- Arnold “Arnie” Harper, 86, of Adrian, Michigan died late Thursday evening, March 14, 2024 at the Hospice of Lenawee Home. Arnie was born in Hamilton, AL on October 30, 1937 along with his twin sister, Arnetia, the children of Carl James and Agnes Godsey) Harper. Arnie attended Adrian Public Schools while growing up and was active playing sports; his height was a great attribute when playing basketball. He graduated in 1957 and went on to attend Adrian College. On September 11, 1996 Arnie married Sherry Rae (Averill) Gamble in Toledo, OH and they have enjoyed 27 years together. Arnie was the owner of A-1 Sewing Machine where he worked on commercial and residential sewing machines for over 50 years. He had loyal customers who appreciated how he made house calls and could fix any issue with their sewing machine. Arnie loved the world of politics and worked for Madison Township for 25 years, with 17 of those years in the role of Madison Twp. Clerk. Arnie and Sherry were involved in local political engagements over the years and had many friends. He retired in 2015 from Brazeway after 10 years of working on the line and filling the role of union representative. Arnie and Sherry are long time members of Madison Church of the Nazarene. For relaxation, Arnie would watch his favorite football team, the University of Alabama and cheer on the Crimson Tide. Fall season also meant additional yardwork, where no leaf was safe when it fell to the ground in Arnie’s yard. It was not uncommon for Arnie to pick up leaves and sticks in his yard and go inside the house to reassess the yard. If there were new leaves on the lawn, Arnie would head back out and take care of them. Arnie took great care of his antique red Farmall tractor that he used for many years. In addition to his wife, Sherry, Arnie is survived by his children, Lana (Mike) Stripling, Arnold Harper, Jr., Charlene Cline (Troy Finholm) and Susan McGuire; grandchildren, Adam Stripling, Savanah Stripling, Jacob McGuire, Tristan Wilkerson and Jake Harper; 5 great-grandchildren; and his twin sister, Arnetia Brion. Arnie was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Matt McGuire and siblings, Lawrence Harper, Mary Raper, Evelyn Elliott, and Roxanne Figy. Visitation for Arnie will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Anna Good and Pastor Dave Hershberger officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Neighbors of Hope in Adrian, Michigan. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com

Arnold "Arnie" Harper

October 30, 1937 - March 14, 2024