Kenneth Ray Raper

Kenneth R. Raper, 78, of East Ridge passed from this life to his reward September 5, 2015. Mr. Raper was born May 10, 1937 to Robert and Estella Samples Raper. Mr. Raper graduated from Englewood High School in 1957 where he played football, basketball and participated in ROTC all four years. After graduation, he had a brief stint in the US Army, and then was honorably discharged to serve with the US Marines. He served 7 years in the marines, his last assignment being in Vietnam. He served his country with pride and would proudly tell everyone he was a Vietnam Veteran. Mr. Raper became a Christian in December of 2001, when he was baptized into Christ by Minister Jim Lewis at Green's Lake Road Church of Christ. He retired in 1981 from the Sewer-Sanitation Division of East Ridge. Mr. Raper was preceded in death by his wife and companion of 48 years, Margaret Randolph Raper; five sisters: Ruth Blackwell, Louise Duff, Lucille Derrick, Wanda Maples, and Mary Sue Stiles; two brothers, Odice Raper and Carl Raper. He leaves behind three daughters, Patricia (Dennis) Jarrett, Nancy (Jackie) Brewer and Linda Willis; eight grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; sister, Dorothy Duff; and brother, Curtis Raper. Mr. Raper will be laid to rest, Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. in the Chattanooga National Cemetery as he requested. Minister Jim Lewis will officiate. A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning at Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home. The family requests that memorials be made to the Bradley County Veterans Home, 155 Ocoee Street, Room 105, Cleveland, TN 37311. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Raper family guestbook at www.fikefh.com