John Loper

John Rayon Loper, age 94, of Eight Mile, AL, went to meet his Lord on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. He was loved and adored by his family and friends. Known as "Big Bud", John was born June 27,1926 in Fannin, MS to William Marion Loper and Florence Brunell Carter Loper. He spent his childhood in Carthage, MS, where he attended school. Along with his twin brother, Reginald “Reg”, John joined the Navy at age 17. During 1944-45 he served aboard a sub chaser in the South Pacific in WW II. He graduated from Murphy High School following his military service and worked at Brookley Field for 8 years until its closing. Afterwards he transferred to the U.S. Post Office. In 1950 John met Nelda Henderson and they married in 1951. John worked at the post office for 28 years until his retirement in 1981. In retirement John and Reg sang duets in churches, rest homes and senior centers for 20 years. He and Nelda were square dancers, and John remained an avid fan of the Crimson Tide. A longtime member of Spring Hill Baptist Church, John was a Sonshine Builder and an active member of his Sunday School class which he cherished. John is survived by Nelda his wife of 69 years; his children: Cindy (David) Bailey of Orlando, FL, and Lance Loper of Mobile, AL, his grandchildren: Ginger, Laurie and DJ; 6 great-grandchildren; his younger brother, Don (Judy) Loper of Mobile, AL; numerous nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, older sister, Billie Dean Thomas, and his twin brother, Reginald "Reg" Loper. Our family is thankful for the services of Your Choice Senior Care and Hometown Hospice. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 6,2020 at 10:00 AM from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday morning from 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be offered at www.mobilememorialfunerals.com. Please comply with distancing guidelines. Facial masks are required.