He was an economic developer in Tuscaloosa, Pickens, Greene and Jefferson Counties. He led the bringing of industries to West Alabama.

Former State Rep. Alan Harper died Thursday at age 68 in Northport.

Harper had served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2006 to 2018 from District 61 in Tuscaloosa, Pickens and Greene Counties.

Serving with him was State Rep. John Merrill, a later Alabama Secretary of State. Merrill, also from Tuscaloosa County, made this statement upon the death of Harper:

“Alan Harper was a great friend and teammate! He was a thoughtful, intelligent, articulate, humorous, and dedicated leader! I had the privilege to work with him in the field of economic development at the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, and later we were honored to serve together as members of the Alabama legislature! Alan‘s desire and interest was always to put Tuscaloosa County, West Alabama, and the state of Alabama first in all of his decision-making process! He was less concerned about who got the credit for the success of an activity or project than he was about actually accomplishing the goal! We need more elected officials and public servants to have that attitude! I will miss his leadership, his candor, his humor, and most of all his friendship to me and my family!”

Harper chaired the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee and sponsored bills on local alcohol sales and statewide economic policy.

He fought to preserve the historic Bryce Hospital campus in Tuscaloosa. He succeeded in getting The University of Alabama to lead a full-scale renovation, turning the main hospital building into the university’s welcome center.

Harper served the Tenn-Tom Waterway Development Council, the DCH Regional Medical Center Institutional Review Commission, the Alabama Economic Development Association and chambers of commerce in House District 61.

Arrangements will be announced later and be held after the New Year.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected]