Michael Lynn Harper died on September 9, 2026, at Emory University Hospital. He was 62. He was born on April 12, 1964, at South Fulton Hospital in Atlanta. Michael was a man whose life was closely tied to family, hard work and the outdoors. He worked in welding and woodworking for Church Chairs of America in Rome and continued working until the end of April.

Michael was described as both an outdoorsman and a family man. He was a simple person who did not need much to be satisfied, and he was known as a country boy who was also well traveled in pursuit of the hunting he loved most. Hunting was his greatest interest, and over the years he hunted deer, turkey, rabbit, ducks, geese, bears, elk, mule deer and axis deer. His hunting took him across Georgia, North Carolina, Canada, Idaho, Colorado and Texas, including bear hunts in North Carolina and in Canada. He also enjoyed trout fishing and had planned a trout-fishing trip for November. Whether at his hunting club or simply spending time outside, he found joy in the places and pursuits that suited him best.

His life was also marked by the small, memorable moments that those closest to him will always carry with them. He and Tammy first met after he and others came over to help get her car started; she thanked them with homemade cookies and the two would go on to be happily married for 40 years. Although he had disliked cats all his life, he grew especially attached to Bob and Kiki, and Bob became his best buddy. He loved his chickens, incubated eggs, and hatched chicks. He was also devoted to Minnie, one of the family dogs, who was especially attached to him.

Above all, Michael will be remembered for the life he shared with those he loved. He is survived by his wife, Tammy Lynn Harper; his children, Amanda (Edd) Parker and Sara Harper; his mother, Ida Harper; his siblings, Ray (Beth) Harper, Tony (Debbie) Harper, Lisa (David) Morris, Sherry (Rob) Simpson, and Mark (Brittany) Harper. He was preceded in death by his father, Herman Harper.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Salmon Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 PM at the Salmon Funeral Home Chapel. The family respectfully requests that, if you wish to send flowers for the services, please send plants rather than cut flowers or standing pieces. 

Michael Lynn Harper will be remembered with love for his steady devotion to family, his deep enjoyment of the outdoors, and the contentment he found in a simple and meaningful life.

Salmon Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve and care for Mr. Michael Lynn Harper and his family.