United States Army Veteran, Deacon Henry David Graper, Sr. of 213 West 25th Avenue, Cordele, Georgia died Monday, June 13, 2022 at the Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 8:00 AM at the J. W. Williams Funeral Home Porte Cochere in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial, with military honors, will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.  Everyone in attendance is asked to please wear a mask and to practice social distancing.

Deacon Henry David Graper, Sr. was born October 18, 1925 in Dougherty County, Georgia.  He was born to Mr. Jink Graper and Mrs. Essie Mae Graper.

He received his education from the Dougherty County Public School System and the Jacksonville Public School System.

Known to his family and friends as "HD", he was committed to his service for the Lord.  He was a member of the Second Bethesda Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia where he served as a Deacon.  Later, he united with the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Oakfield, Georgia.  As a Deacon at Greater Friendship, he continued his dedication to the service of the Lord and to the people of God.  He was always willing to do whatever he could to advance God's kingdom.

He loved his church and enjoyed fellowshipping with various churches in the area.  His favorite song was "I'm Gonna Do All I Can for the Lord" .

Never a stranger to work, he believed in working and he set an example of the importance of honest work.  His business, HD Builders: Brick Mason and Building Contractor, was instrumental in the construction of many buildings in this area.

On Monday, June 13, 2022, his journey came to a peaceful end.  His parents and his daughter, Ms. Angela Gary each   precede him in death.  "HD" was last surviving sibling, his sisters, Mrs. Leola Harris, Mrs. Janie Moody, Mrs. Alice Porter, Mrs. Ella Mae Jackson, Mrs. Lillie Mae Brooks, and Mrs. Lorenza Gaines and his brother, Mr. Jim Graper, also precede him in death.

Precious memories of his life are left to his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Eddie Mae Barner Graper of Cordele, Georgia; his loving and devoted children, Mr. Henry D. Graper, Jr. (Cynthia), Dr. LaZoria Brown (George), and Mr. Cornelius Graper (Bessie) all of Albany, Georgia, Mrs. Ella Vera Murphy (Delford) of Marietta, Georgia, Deacon James Maddox (Dr. Elizabeth) of Cordele, Georgia, Mr. Colton Maddox (Brandy) of Conyers, Georgia, and Ms. Myra Maddox of Mount Vernon, New York; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; a host of other relatives and many sorrowing friends.