Daryl Thomas Harper

Daryl Thomas Harper passed away in his home Monday, June 16, 2025. He was born May 29, 1954, in Monroe, Michigan, to the late Floyd and Edith Harper.

Daryl was a graduate of Hollywood Hills High School, class of 1972, in Florida and moved on to Broward Community College and Birmingham Southern, with a Major in Business Administration with a Minor in Mathematics in 1977. He pivoted from his academics to playing professional baseball for 3 years, predominantly at shortstop and as a switch hitter, for the Kansas City Royals organization. After 3 seasons, he decided to leave a career in baseball and pursue a journey in aviation with Piedmont Airlines where he eventually transitioned to working for US Airways for 16 years followed by a career at JetBlue Airlines where he finished out his career. 

Survivors include Daryl’s lovely wife, Pamela Harper along with their 3 adult children, Natalie Barton (married to Steven Barton), Thomas Harper (married to Elise Harper), and Aaron Harper, and their newest joys of his life, 3 grandchildren, Hudson Harper, Scarlett Harper, and Remington Harper of Simpsonville, South Carolina. In addition, other surviving family include 3 siblings Floyd Harper (married to Joann Harper), Diane Brule, and Dennis Harper (married to Cindy Harper).

Daryl thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family making many memories over the years; especially spending time at an airport or on a baseball field. He was very passionate in several aspects of his life, but they were all rooted in following Jesus Christ and giving the glory all to the Lord.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00PM, June 23rd at the Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC, 29073. Pastor Eric Walter will officiate. The family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service (11:00AM – 12:00PM) in the Thompson Funeral Home. Family requests friends and family to wear bright colors in honor of Daryl.