Vergis Barefoot Harper

Vergis Nelson "Barefoot" Harper, 83, departed this life on Monday, October 14, 2024 at his home in Somerset, Kentucky. Vergis was born on November 17, 1940 in Pulaski County, Kentucky to the late John Nelson and Doritha Bea (Phelps) Harper.

Vergis was a faithful member of Nelson Valley Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Van Driver, Song Leader and Deacon for 57 years. His unwavering attendance was recognized with an award for thirty- six years of perfect attendance. He sang on the radio with his two sisters as The Harper Trio. Vergis was employed by the W. D. Gover Furniture Company which was located where the Commonwealth Journal is today, the Direct Oil Filling Station, contractor Charles Reed and The House of Carpet , where he liked four months laying carpet for 48 years. He also was a servant to his community by serving as a volunteer fire fighter with the Science Hill Fire Department for 10 years. Vergis was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. He also played basketball and softball, all while barefooted, for more than forty years.

He is survived by; his children, Daniel Ray Harper, Karen Ann Harper and Norman (Renee) Harper , his four grandchildren; Jacob Allen (Brittany) Harper, Kaitlyn (Dylan) Stapleton, Kimberly (Andre) Pretorius and Jonathan McClendon, Seven great grandchildren; Leandra, Ian and Hunter Harper, Kenzly Heuberger, Charlie Stapleton and soon to be Remington Kate Stapleton and Grayson Pretorius, as well as several nieces and nephews and His special niece and caretaker, Brenda Sue Dye Coner, and great friend, Patty Anderson from the House of Carpet.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Wanda Harper, his parents, six siblings; Ophia Brower, Ora McHaffey, Allene Dye, James Orville Harper, Jewell Mercer and Anna Warren.

The family will receive friends at Nelson Valley Baptist Church, Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 4:30 PM.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Nelson Valley Baptist Church at 11:00 AM with Bro. Stanley Childers, Bro. Darry Hatfield and Bro. Bruce Blevins officiating.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Sweeny's Chapel Cemetery Fund, 183 Whitaker Rd. , Somerset, Kentucky 42503. Contributions for Sweeny's Chapel can also be dropped off at Citizens National Bank.

Pulaski Funeral Home is Honored to assist the family.