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SOUTHLAKE, Texas A. B. Harper, 96, passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2012, in Southlake.A. B. was born on July 15, 1915 in Clarksville, Tenn., to Burr and Nettie Harper.He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Marie Harper; and his daughter, Gwenn McKinzey.He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who cared deeply for his family. A.B. began his career as a school teacher in a one room school in Lafayette, Tenn. During World War II he worked in secret on the atomic bomb project in Oak Ridge, Tenn. A.B. later became a design engineer working on solid rocket motors in Huntsville, Ala., and nuclear vessels in Chattanooga. He was a passionate fisherman, bridge player and golfer.Survivors: son, James Harper and wife, Zo, Westlake, Texas; grandchildren, Sherry McKinzey, League City, Texas, Barry McKinzey, Tuscaloosa, Ala., Lesley Bartley and husband David, Brentwood, Tenn., and Jay Harper and wife, Lindsay, Carmel, Ind.; great-grandchildren, Vincent McKinzey, Hadley Harper, Cole Harper and Harrison Bartley.Memorials: Should friends desire, memorials may be given to the Lions World Services for the Blind, 2811 Fair Park Boulevard, Little Rock, AR 72204.Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, at Fairfield Glade Community Church, 924 Snead Dr., Crossville, Tenn.