Rufus Piper

Rufus Piper, Sr. was born on February 21, 1931, in Boise, Louisiana to the late Deacon James Piper, Sr. and the late Mrs. Carrie Worthen Piper. He departed this life on Friday, June 27, 2025.

The Piper family moved to DeRidder, Louisiana in 1936. Rufus matriculated through the Beauregard Parish school system and graduated from George Washington Carver High School. He attended Tennessee State University on a football scholarship. His college days were cut short when he was drafted into the United States Army where he served from 1951 to 1953. During this tenure, he earned two bronze stars. After separating from the army, Rufus worked a variety of jobs before he began his career in Civil service working as a supply clerk at Fort Johnson, formally Fort Polk. He received numerous certificates and awards for exceptional service. He worked there for thirty-two years until his retirement in 1996.

On December 21, 1956, Rufus Piper, Sr. and the late Annie Mae Mayes united in holy matrimony. Through this union, they were the parents of two sons, Alphonso Chuck and Rufus, Jr. and 2 daughters, Cursetta Ann, who proceeded him in death, and Vicky. In addition, Rufus was father to Alzata Crawford, who also preceded him in death, and Isaiah Sowells.

Rufus co-owned a catering business and was a craftsman at barbecuing. He continued in catering and often provided delicious meats for various city and church functions. In his free time, Rufus loved to hunt and fish. You could often find him fishing at Bundick Lake. He was an active member with the Beauregard Council on Aging. Rufus often gave back to the community by delivering meals on wheels and working at the voting poll during elections.

Rufus was baptized at an early age by the late superintendent C.B. Norris. He was a member of Zion Hill Church of God in Christ for a number of years. As life continued, he joined the Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor George B. Harris. Then, later under Pastor Ronald Jarden. Rufus was an active member where he sang in the choir, served as a deacon, and was the president of the Usher's ministry. Rufus worked faithfully in the church until his health failed.

He leaves to cherish his memory four of his loving and devoted children, Pastor Alphonso Chuck Piper (Dionne) of Guyton, Georgia, Rufus Piper, Jr. (Priscilla) of Zachary, Louisiana, Vicky Piper Simmons (Anthony) of Bonaire, Georgia and Isaiah Sowells of Sebastopol, Mississippi.

He leaves his grandchildren, Tar-Kisha Piper Poole, Alphonso Piper Jr. Brandy Piper Givens, Artia Piper Nelson, Jeffrey Mann, Alkia Piper Richardson, Antron Piper Sr, Treasure Piper Baker, Brittany Pope, Tamika Piper, Maletta Humphries Kokoricha, Quinnetta Humphries, Omar Crawford, Hannah Simmons, Johnathan Simmons and Josiah Simmons. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Sister Isadora Piper, his caring cousin Nette, family friend, Angela, and his goddaughter, Bonita, along with his dear friends Brother Jimmy, Brother Charles, Ron Roberts, and Sister JoAnn. Rufus had a special love and bond with his adopted in love daughter, Brenda Maxie Isler, who was the eyes, ears, and advocate for him until he passed. Rufus has great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, additional cousins and a host of other relatives and friends to cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA. Pastor Antron M. Piper will officiate the service. Burial will follow the service at Community Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.