Philip Neal Harper
Philip Neil Harper, 87, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023 in Chattanooga. Born in Ashland, Kentucky on October 6, 1936, Philip graduated from MTSU with degrees biology and chemistry, and earned a master’s degree in education from UC.
He taught at Chattanooga Valley High School, Chattanooga State, and UTC. He then chose to establish a new career with Harper’s Clock and Watch Repair, where he was a master at restoring antique and broken timepieces to ensure customers could enjoy such family treasures. The shop was a place of community and laughter, where customers and former students who visited learned quickly there was no such thing as a quick visit.
Philip was an accomplished pianist and organist. He delighted in spontaneously playing a melody for others, and he often played the organ to accompany choirs at several different churches.
He loved antique clocks, organs, and pianos. Some were inherited, but he mostly loved collecting, and had a lovely collection. Philip’s family was descended from the lineage of Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass, England; several ancestors there were clock makers.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sterling Neil Harper, and mother, Mary Angela (Muncaster) Harper Murdock. He is survived by many friends and his first cousins Alice Muncaster of Chicago, Illinois, and George Muncaster of Phoenix Arizona. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Senior Honor Roll ministry, First Presbyterian Church, 554 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, Tn., or to the American Guild of Organists.
A Commemoration of Life memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at a date and time to be announced at a later date. Private burial will be in Kentucky.
Philip Neal Harper