Paul William Raper passed away on August 9, 2019 at the age of 86. He was the son of Paul Spence Raper and Mary Leyburn Raper, both deceased. Paul is survived by his brother, Robert E. Raper (Marie); nephews Randolph DuVall (Leslie) and Rob Raper (Terese); nieces Yardley Kush (Ted), Barclay Eley (Kent), Ashley Starr (Todd); and 9 great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Friday, August 16, 2019 at 6:00 P.M., Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Dr., VA Beach. Reception following.
Date: Friday, August 16, 2019
Time: 6:00 pm
Location:
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
May 9, 2019
Jessica posted on 8/17/19
You will be missed by many! Help keep Mr. Raper’s memory alive....https://www.facebook.com/paul.raper.338
Mary posted on 8/17/19
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to end all suffering. Before long, God will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things (will) have passed away.”(Rev. 21:3,4). May this promise from God give you comfort now and a real hope for the future. My deepest sympathy.
Gabriele Cash posted on 8/16/19
Mr Raper will be missed by all the ladies at Med Emporium in Norfolk.He was a great customer for many years and always had great stories to tell us.
Martin Oliver posted on 8/16/19
Paul Raper was reared in Berkley (Norfolk, Va. ) and was one of the kindest people I knew. He attended the Berkley Social each year and several times I took him home to Norfolk after the Social. Visited me often when I was in the hospital at DePaul. He will be greatly missed by many! RIP Paul
Angie Bowman posted on 8/16/19
Mr. Raper..loved the children...The children at St.pius enjoyed him reading to them. Mr. Raper was one of kind man. He will be missed. Our prayers are with the family. Love Jody Bowman and family
Leslie Tietze posted on 8/16/19
A true gentleman and community servant. Everlasting peace and life is his reward!
Wilma Riddell posted on 8/15/19
Paul was a great friend to me when I first joined Blessed Sacrament a few years ago. He always encouraged me to join the Ministries of the church. He made sure that my name was always listed everywhere. He was a teacher like me and we always enjoyed talking about the latest book. He was a true educator. I will miss my dear friend and colleague. Rest in peace!
Ken and Rose Flusche posted on 8/14/19
Will Miss Him.....
Brenda Uyak posted on 8/14/19
Mr. Raper volunteered for years at St. Pius X School 2x a week. He made games for my Social Studies students and was a major help in my Social Studies and Religion classes, working with small groups, and helping me challenge the students. We considered ourselves a team, and the students were better off for having known and worked with him. He epitomized the virtues of being a Christian gentleman and left a mark on hundreds of St. Pius students. He was also my friend; well done and God rest.
Steve Schulze posted on 8/14/19
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Rapers’ passing. He was my 8th grade teacher at Christ The King. Mr. Raper was such a great guy and I am fortunate to have shared in a couple of funny episodes with him (especially one concerning a large rubber spider!). I learned more than just the course subject matter from him. His kindness and example always taught honesty, humor, integrity and how a good man should act. I’m thankful to have known him.
Ciarrah posted on 8/14/19
Mr. Raper would always look out for my class growing up. Always read for us and teach us little lessons. I have thought about you years after leaving holy trinity. I hope you are happy in heaven as happy as you made everybody here on earth.
Haylie McGill posted on 8/14/19
Me. Raper was in my life for 8yrs while he taught at Holy Trinity. He taught me about Jamestown, taught me how to be a good person, taught me that I had talent, showed me that I could be anything I wanted and do anything. He always was honest with me and put me in my place if I was being a typical teenager. Most importantly he was my drama teacher. He always pushed me and believed in me and supported me. He gave me something to put my time and effort into and a place to let my creativity fly. Theater became such an important part of my life and it’s all because of Mr. Raper. He will always have a huge place in my heart.
Terrie Jo Balach Nelson posted on 8/13/19
Mr Raper was one of my favorate and most memorable teachers. He was my 6th grade teacher at Eastern Academy. I will always remember him singing " the birds are singing I love you" when I would return to class after recess. It's a fond memory I think about when I see a group of birds and it still brings a smile to my face like it did then. Your passion for teaching was evident. God bless you, for I know he has great plans for you. Peace and condolences to your love ones left behind. May they find comfort in your memories
Deborah Alberti posted on 8/13/19
One of God's best and most faithful servants. I am blessed to have been his friend. Rest in peace, dear Paul.
Kelly Richards Davis posted on 8/13/19
Such a special man contributing so much of his life to our community. Fond memories.
Gary Baker posted on 8/13/19
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Raper. I have fond memories of Mr. Raper as my 6th grade teacher at Eastern/Brewbaker Academy. One of my all-time favorite teachers. His passion as an educator was obvious.
Karen Hume posted on 8/13/19
Mr. Raper was a wonderful man who made a difference in so many lives. He loved the students, each and every one, and they sure loved him. He will never be forgotten, always a treasured memory.
Sheryl Mathews wallace posted on 8/13/19
He was a very good teacher he was stern but good. Student from eastern academy loner school
Glenn Raby posted on 8/13/19
Many of his students including myself will recall his nurturing and sincere Love for all made a difference in their lives.This world needs more Paul Rapers and I am a better person for having him as a teacher.
Steven Blythe posted on 8/13/19
Paul thank you for being such a dear friend and sometimes like a second father for 32 of my life. Tell my mother in Heaven I said hi.
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Alice Case posted on 8/22/19
Mr. Raper was a Social Studies Teacher at Blessed Sacrament School. He was one of my favorite teachers. He made History so interesting. He made up a HISTO game like a Bingo game. He taught me the names of the presidents to the tune of Yankee Doodle. He was kind to my entire family, especially when my father was deployed. He is the reason that I am still a lover of History. Thank you Mr. Raper