Harry Tapp

Rev. Harry Lewis Tapp, 77, of Gulfport, died Wednedsay, June 20, 2007 in Gulfport. He was born in Somerville, Tennessee on November 13, 1929 to Estell and Louis Tapp. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Herman and Jimmy, and one grandson, James T. Culpepper.
Brother Tapp served six years in the U. S. Air Force. After his discharge, he learned to fly light aircraft, which was something he dearly loved to do. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family.
Brother Tapp surrendered to the ministry in 1960 and served faithfully for 45 years. during that time he pastored Bethany Baptist Church, Gulfport; First Baptist of Orange Grove; and was a missionary pastor of Central Baptist of Bay St. Louis. He organized Campround Baptist Church of Gulfport in 1991 and served as pastor there until his retirement in 2005. Brother Tapp dearly loved the Lord and would have continued to preach indefinitely had it not been for poor health. Brother Tapp influenced many lives with his leadership. He baptized and married too many to count, including all of his children and most of his grandchidren. He dearly loved being with people and ministering to their needs.
Brother Tapp served as trustee of Mississippi Baptist Children's Home for 26 years and was the moderator to Ten Mile Association, Hobolochitto. He preached revivals all over South Mississippi and West Tennessee.
Brother Tapp is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Walker Tapp; two daughters, Joan Aileen Purchner (Darrell), and Beverly Ann Griffin (Richard); four sons, Richard L. (Ginger), James Carter (Vicky), Raymond Neil (Teresa), and Phillip Eugene (Donna); fifteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Cathleen Siler (John), and Claudine Anderson; five brothers, L. E. Tapp (Daisy), George, William (Dee), Jerry (Tressa); and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 22, 2007 from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Campground Baptist Church, Gulfport. The service will take place on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 11:00 at the church with burial to follow at Finley Cemetery, Gulfport.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Youth Center Memorial Building Fund, c/o Campground Baptist Church, 20577 Highway 53, Gulfport, MS 39503. The RIEMANN FAMILY'S Gulf Coast Funeral Home in Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com.