John "J.W." William Raper

John “J.W.” William Raper, 84, passed away on Wednesday, January 10.  Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 14 at 2:00 pm at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.  Interment will be immediately following at Kenly Cemetery, Hwy 222, Kenly.  Reverend Tim Johnson and Reverend Bridgette Winstead will officiate.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 13 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Joyner’s Funeral Home and other times at the home.

John loved southern gospel music, especially the Gaithers and Guy Penrod.  More than anything, he loved fishing and attending baseball games and band competitions with his grandchildren.  He will be dearly missed by many.

John is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Linda Gray Gardner Raper of the home; sons, William Craig Raper and wife, Brenda of Kenly and Leslie Darryl Raper of Oregon; daughters, Angie Marie Peedin and husband, Rob of Kenly and Sherry Annette Faircloth and husband, Barry of Selma; brothers, Edward Earl “Shorty” Raper of Wilson, Kenneth Wayne Raper of Pikeville, and Stevie Raper of Lucama; sisters, Lottie Raper of Kenly and Deborah Raper Lawson and husband, Bill of Kenly; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur Raper and Lucille Barnes Raper; sister, Phyllis Monteith; and brothers, Vann Raper, David Raper, and Timmy Raper.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Joyner's Funeral Home to help with end of life expenses.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.