Ronald David Raper

Ronald David Raper passed away at the Novant Medical Center in Huntersville on January 6, 2026, at the age of 76.

He was born on February 11, 1949, in Elizabeth City, NC, to the late Annie Webb Raper and Raymond Earl Raper Sr. He had a B.A. from Catawba College and a Masters in Physical Education from Gardner-Webb University.

During his career, Ronald worked as the Assistant Football Coach at Salisbury High School, Head Football Coach at West Rowan High School, Head Baseball Coach at Catawba College, Assistance Football Coach at Williams High School, Assistant Football Coach at North Rowan High School, and Athletic Director at Carson High School.

 Ronald had been awarded Football Coach of the Year while at West High School and Baseball Coach of the Year while at Williams High School. He was a member of the Rowan County Hall of Fame Selection Committee. He was a current member of the Community in Christ Lutheran Church in Huntersville, NC, was a dedicated member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he was on the Council and was a Youth Group Leader.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Raymond Raper Jr.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Janice Casper Raper of Huntersville, NC (married on August 17, 1969); daughters Kristina Raper Magnuson (husband Neil) of Huntersville, NC, and Kelly Raper Husn (husband Jason) of Huntersville, NC; sister Laura Raper Lear; sister-in-law Julie Casper Maynard (husband Gene) of Coburg, Canada; as well as four grandchildren.

A service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday January 15, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144. Officiating will be Rev. Lori Carter. An inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. Afterwards there will be a reception in the church fellowship hall for family and friends.

A service of sharing and remembrance will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday January 16, 2026, at Community in Christ Lutheran Church, 7621 Norman Island Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031, conducted by Rev. Michael Berry.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church (200 W Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144), Community in Christ Lutheran Church (7621 Norman Island Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031), or to Hopewell High Schol Athletic Booster Club (11530 Beatties Ford Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078).

Lyerly Funeral Home serves the Raper family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.

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