Ronald Edward Harper, age 70, of Murfreesboro died Monday, November 28, 2011 at his home with his family by his side. He graduated from Hillsboro High in 1959, and Middle Tennessee State University in 1964. During his long career with the Department of Defense, Mr. Harper travelled to the Soviet Union as a missile inspector under the INF and START I nuclear disarmament treaties. Mr. Harper was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lisette (Ballmann) Harper. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy Harper; daughters Julie and Amy; son Kevin and daughter-in-law Stella; grandchildren Sean, Ryan and William; and brother Thomas and sister-in-law Laura. Woodfin Chapel in Murfreesboro is in charge of arrangements (615-893-5151, www.woodfinchapel.com).