BORN

1956

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

The Paul Mortuary

390 Lighthouse Ave

Pacific Grove, California

RJ (Robert Thomas) Harper, Jr. Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 9, 2017.

Robert "RJ" Harper

RJ Harper, 61, (Robert T. Harper, Jr) passed away, Nov. 8, 2017 after a 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer.

RJ, who grew up known as Bobby, was born August 30, 1956 to Yolanda Talassio Harper (Hall) and Robert T. Harper, in Memphis, TN. While life was not easy in south Memphis, young Bobby excelled both in the classroom and in all sports.

RJ received a full athletic/academic scholarship to Rhodes College in Memphis graduating in 1978. An outstanding baseball and football player at Rhodes (where he is in the Athletic Hall of Fame), RJ still holds several records he set as a running back. RJ received his M.Ed from East Stroudsburg University (Pennsylvania), worked for a year with juvenile offenders and then enjoyed a year backpacking through Europe and the Middle East where, on a Greek Island, he met the woman he would later marry.

RJ's next step was Miami, Florida, where he taught high school English and Government and coached both football and women's basketball. It was during his summer break that RJ spent much time on the course and began to consider a career in golf. In June, 1985, RJ completed his teaching assignment, married Kelly Yost and together they zig-zagged across the USA in a Volkswagen van exploring the country in pursuit of the place to call home.

In the fall of 1985, RJ reached the Monterey Peninsula and the golf mecca of the world – Pebble Beach. And after that, the rest is golf world history. RJ's tremendous leadership and relationship building skills were quickly recognized at the Pebble Beach Co. as he rose through the ranks from Golf Course Marshal to Pebble Beach Head Golf Professional and ultimately to EVP of Golf (and Retail) for the Pebble Beach Co., one of the most prestigious positions in the golf world. During RJ's 32 year tenure with Pebble Beach Co., he was widely recognized as one of the outstanding leaders in the golf industry. His charismatic personality, one of a kind smile, and outgoing nature endeared him to countless Pebble Beach employees and guests. Many CEO's, musicians, entertainers, athletes, professional golfers, and politicians across the country consider themselves close friends of RJ.

RJ's accomplishments in the golf world are many and include serving as Pebble Beach Head Golf Professional during the 1992 U.S. Open, as Championship Director of the 2000 U.S. Open, and as General Chairman of the 2010 and 2019 U.S. Opens at Pebble Beach. RJ played a major role in the founding of AT&T Junior Golf on the Monterey Peninsula, serving as a board member for many years. At different times in RJ's career, he coached women's basketball at Monterey Peninsula College and football at Stevenson School. RJ was a talented guitarist and singer and occasionally sang a few songs on stage with country artist Clay Walker during his national tours.

Closer to home, RJs greatest joys were found in his two sons Tucker (28), and JT (25). With them he enjoyed his great passions of golf, music and fishing.

RJ enjoyed trips to Memphis and time with his dear friends from Rhodes. He beamed when Jerry Hampton, Joe Hyrka, and Mike Clary came to visit in Pebble Beach, often bringing their families.

RJ has many local friends, but the family would like to especially acknowledge Bill and Nanci Perocchi, Eric Barnes, and Margo Daniels for their roles as honorary extended family.

During this past year, the family has come to greatly appreciate Zach Koontz, MD and the team at Pacific Cancer Care in Monterey, and George Fisher, MD, Maureen Hogan, and the team at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto.

A celebration of life will be held on November 21st at 9:00am on the 18th lawn of Pebble Beach Golf Links. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the RJ Harper Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund at Stanford University Hospital or to a charity of one's choice that focuses on assisting underprivileged youth.

RJ was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his beloved family, including his two sons, Tucker (aka Joseph Michael) Harper and JT (aka Robert Joshua Taylor) Harper; his two grandsons, Cade and Hudson Harper; his former wife and close friend, Kelly (Yost) Harper; and his sister, Cathy Carr.

Arrangements under the direction of The Paul Mortuary, Pacific Grove, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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2 Entries

November 23, 2017

Dianne Linebarger ferrell

Grew up around Bobby when we were young. Bonita Harper was Bobby's first cousin ,other side of family i was Bonita first cousin. Even though i havent seen him in years have many fond memories of the first years of his life. The little blonde headed boy you knew then sports was where his talent was. The lady he called aunt Rubye and cousin Bonita were a hugh part of his growing up years. Aunt rubye asked about him constantly my heart breaks for their loss today. He moved miles away but was forever n there hearts. My heart breaks and prays for bobbys children and his love ones in Memphis Tn. We had many fun times

November 13, 2017

Julie Wong

Without a doubt, a life well-lived. Rest in peace, RJ...

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