George Belvey Raper, 76, died peacefully with his family by his side. He was born December 9, 1944, in Elizabeth City, NC to the late John Belvey Raper and Mary Stevenson Raper.
George graduated from Central High School in 1963. He enlisted in the US Navy SeaBee’s in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War. Upon his return he worked for LR Foreman Lumber Company. Shortly thereafter he worked for Gardner Construction and found a love for construction.
He started George Raper & Son Plumbing company in 1972. The company grew from a small plumbing company to an unlimited, unclassified general contracting firm. In 1990, the company’s name changed to Geo Raper & Son, Inc. As the projects grew, so did the company. Geo Raper & Son served the eastern part of the state to the middle of the state. George retired in 2018 only to continue working.
George loved to work but his family was his world. George loved the beach and summer days. He especially loved being with his kids and grandkids. When George wasn’t working or with his family, he could be found reading a good book or putting a puzzle together. George’s family will miss his witty humor and his care and compassion for family and friends.
Besides his wife of fifty-four years, Linda Stafford Raper, George is survived by his three children, Steve Raper and wife Michelle of Raleigh, Stephanie Raper Propst and husband Franz of Rolesville, and Stacie Raper Smith and husband Matt of Buckhead, GA; and his five loving grandchildren, Madigan Raper, Preston Propst, Olivia Raper, Lucas Raper, and Elin Propst. George is also survived by his siblings Ray Raper, Joyce Taylor, Richard (Buddy) Raper, Earl Raper, and Ronnie Raper and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his brother, Harry Raper.
A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. in New Hollywood Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S Navy. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Twiford Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is serving the Raper family.
You may express condolences to the family by visiting www.TwifordFH.com. To plant a tree in memory of Mr. Raper or send flowers to the family, please visit www.TwifordFH.com/send-flowers.