"Howdy Doody"- Nolan Randolph Harper was a native of Gulfport, Mississippi; born February 1, 1954 to the late Johnnie Harper, Sr, and Bessie Chaney. He was reared by the late Vernell Harper and the late Edna Christy. Dedicated and devoted to the rearing of his late grandmother, Mrs. Beatrice Smith Harper, commonly know as Mamma to him, Nolan lived an honorable life.

Nolan, better known as "Howdy" to many, confessed Christ at a early age, and was baptized at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. In the years that followed, Nolan join, in Christian Fellowship, the Mount Carmel United Methodist Church of Waynesboro, Mississippi. "Howdy" was very active in his community. He attended Jefferson Davis Junior College and later moved to Jackson under the administration of Governor Cliff Finch. Never sitting still, he later moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he worked delivering furniture. Later, he began working for Atlanta's transportation system, MARTA. In 2007, Nolan moved back to Gulfport and married. In June of 2008, after a short marriage, he moved to Waynesboro, Mississippi. March 1, 2021, due to his failing health, Nolan relocated back to Gulfport. On April 16, 2021 he was reunited in matrimony to Pamela Marie Harper.

Everyone that knew "Howdy", knew that he was a die hard Alabama fan. "ROLL TIDE!!!" On any given Saturday you could find him in from the television, with NO distractions, watch a football game. During the week, you could find Nolan, with his best friend and brother, Dwight (Buckeye) at the Waffle House eating breakfast. Afterward, he would go and visit his big sister, Renetta (Nette) to check on her and chat a while. Nolan enjoyed home where there was guaranteed, peace and quite as he would say.

Nolan was preceded in death by his birth mother and father, Johnnie Harper, Sr. and Bessie Smith Chaney; his DaDa, Vernell Harper; his Muh Dear, Edna Christy; and his mamma, Mrs. Beatrice Harper; a daughter; 5 brothers; uncles; and a dedicated and loving aunt, Annie Merle Jordan.

He leaves to honor and cherish his legacy and memory, his beloved and dedicated wife, Pam- Gulfport, Mississippi; a daughter, Natrita Maston (Tracy)- Montgomery, Alabama; two sons, Jonathan, and Joshua Lydia- Long Beach, Mississippi; two step sons, Herman Maston- Aubrey, Texas, Michel (Kendra) Maston- Chula Vista, California; two step daughters, Stephanie Maston- Powder Springs, Georgia and Brittney Maston- Gulfport, Mississippi; three brothers, Dwight (Joann) Harper- Gulfport, Mississippi, Dr. Oswago (Tamara) Harper- Gulfport, Mississippi, Mr. Kim (Janice) Marsh- Gulfport, Mississippi; nine sisters, Kenta Lancaster- Pascagoula, Mississippi, Renetta (Nette) Robinson, Sandra Walton, Tammy Briggs, Felicia Brown, and Tracey Harper- Gulfport, Mississippi, Gwen Williams- LaPlace, Louisiana, Erica (Arthur) Woods- Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Alicia Netterville- Jackson, Mississippi; a very special great niece, "Fat-Fat"; a loving and special cousin, Rev. Debbie E. (Elder Eric) Travis- Woodbine, Georgia; Cathy James- Hattiesburg, Mississippi; a dedicated friend, Arthur Ray (Moon) Frost- Waynesboro, Mississippi, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, cousins, and special friendships made throughout the years.