David M. "Grand Dude" Harper, 71, of Jesup, Ga. passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at his residence. The Wayne County native was a retired fraud investigator for the Georgia Department of Labor. He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and an avid "Words with Friends" player.  The talented musician knew all the lyrics to the Beatles' songs and was an exceptional grandfather. His parents, Ernest Harper and Adine Jones Harper, preceded him in death.

Survivors are his wife of 20 years, Carol Cooper Harper of Jesup; 3 sons, Adam (Sarah) Harper of Savannah, Jake (Suzanne) Hallman of Statesboro and Ben (Suzanne) Hallman of Signal Mountain, Tenn.; sister, Connie (Jimmy) Johnson of Flagler Beach, Fla.; 8 grandchildren, Grace, Caroline, Rhett, and Dailey Harper, Lucy, Lily, Jude, and Rex Hallman; several nieces and nephews.

Private memorial services will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ARF (Animal Refuge Foundation), P.O. Box 432, Jesup, GA 31598.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.