Billy was born on May 24, 1960, in Alexandria, to Luther W. Harper “Mandy” and Patricia “Pat” J. Harper. He was a 1978 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield. He attended a two-year apprenticeship with the United Brotherhood of Carpentry and followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps by becoming a union carpenter and member of Local 1590. Later in life Billy used the skills that he had learned and became an instructor of carpentry with Job Corps, teaching troubled teens skills that they could use in their life.
In his younger years, Billy spent many of his days, “down in the country” in Colonial Beach and Montross. He loved spending time by the river and just being in the country. Billy had a passion for music and movies. He could always tell you who starred in any movie or what year a song was written. He was a movie collector and was always known to share the newest movie with anyone that asked. Billy gave freely of his self and was always there to help anyone in need. He had a zest for life and a kind heart.
He cherished his many friendships but his greatest love was for his family. In the past year Billy became a member of Providence United Methodist Church in Montross.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Pamela Harper; two children, Brian William and Emily Elizabeth; sister Deborah Cubbage (Bruce); brother Daniel Harper; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Owens and Sharon Johnson and their families; aunts Judy Brauning and Mary Jane Singer; and many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will also be greatly missed by his beloved family pets, Sasha, Scooby and Maggie.