Mr. Jerry Leon Harper, age 61 of Ellijay, GA, passed away on Saturday, May 30th, 2026.

Mr. Harper was born on December 1, 1964, in Ellijay, Georgia, to the late James Leon Harper and Mary Coleeta Sawyer Harper. A lifelong resident of Gilmer County, he was the proud owner of Harper's Garage in Ellijay, where he was known for his hard work, honesty, and willingness to help others. He was a faithful member of Fruit of the Vine Church and the Gilmer Street Rodders.

Mr. Harper had a true passion for classic cars. He was a simple man who loved the Lord wholeheartedly and lived his life with kindness and humility. Above all else, his greatest joy was his family. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. His memory will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Harper is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Eddie (Mandy) Harper of Ellijay, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Gerry (Michelle) Harper of Ellijay, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Kathi (David) Hill of Ellijay, GA; two grandchildren, Sawyer Harper and Hannah Harper; nieces, Anna Kate Hill and Jesse Logan, and numerous friends also survive.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Following the visitation, Mr. Harper will be cremated.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Food and flowers will be accepted. If flowers are sent, the family respectfully asks that they are only house flowers, no cemetery flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Fruit of the Vine Church in care of Mrs. Janice Burgess @ P.O. Box 1641 Ellijay, GA 30540.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay, GA is entrusted with these arrangements.