Dr. Joseph M. Harper, Jr., beloved husband and father, left life here as we know it on June 22nd, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. Joe was born December 3rd, 1932 in Waycross, Georgia to Roberta and Joe Harper. He grew up in Jacksonville and served as a paratrooper for his country, continuing on to the University of Florida for college and then Medical School. He was a devoted surgeon and emergency room physician in the Destin and Fort Walton Beach area for over forty years. Joe was passionate about caring for others and known very well in the community. He leaves behind his wife, Donna; sons Steve, Tom, Mike; daughter Allison: as well as, grandchildren Brian, Jessica, Dominick and Luke. Joe never stopped learning and was an avid photographer, leading the photography club and displaying his works of art in the area Art Festivals. Finding new, intriguing places and creations of nature, took he and Donna to many exciting destinations, including his favorite Colorado mountains. He enjoyed playing his banjo, family barbecues, fishing with his boys and sailing the seas in his younger days. He was extremely grateful to Drs. Sandwith, Anastasio and Brown for the care they gave him. There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, July 2nd at 1pm, Central Time at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Road NW in Fort Walton Beach.                     

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