Robert “Harper” Foley, a 19-year-old University of Alabama student from Dallas, Texas, died on August 23, 2026, following a brief illness. His death has left family, friends, classmates, teammates and fraternity brothers mourning the loss of a young man remembered for his warmth, adaptability and love of family, soccer and the outdoors.
Harper was born on May 18, 2007, in Kansas City, Kansas, to retired U.S. Army Brigadier General David Clifford Foley and Claire White Foley. As the child of a military family, he spent much of his childhood moving between different communities and military installations across the United States.
His early years included time at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, Fort Hood in Texas, Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington and MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. Despite frequently changing schools and communities, Harper developed a remarkable ability to make friends and embrace each new chapter.
He eventually returned to Kansas, where he graduated from Lansing High School in 2025. Soccer remained a constant part of his life from the age of three. Through the sport, Harper formed lasting friendships and developed meaningful relationships with coaches and teammates from the various communities where he lived.
Harper also shared a particularly close connection with his maternal grandparents’ home in Brent, Alabama. Time spent there with his cousins created cherished family memories, including fishing, swimming, riding in his grandfather’s Kubota and spending time outdoors. His connection to the area also helped foster his love for the University of Alabama and the Crimson Tide.
Following his father’s retirement from the military, Harper’s family settled in Dallas. He later began his college journey at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he was a sophomore. He also became a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, forming new friendships and a strong sense of brotherhood within the organization.
Harper is survived by his parents and his brothers, Franklin Price Foley, 21, and Alexander Gates Foley, 16. He is also survived by his paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins who shared close family ties with him.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Judge James Mordecai White and Katherine Moseley White, as well as his great-grandmother, Katherine Claire Ivy.
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Brent, Alabama. Visitation is scheduled for 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Brent Baptist Church, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Dr. Jim Smith will officiate. Burial will take place afterward at Brent City Cemetery.
Family, friends, fraternity brothers and former teammates are expected to gather to remember Harper and celebrate his life. His pallbearers include his brothers, cousins and fraternity brothers and roommates, while members of the Kappa Sigma Beta Chapter and several of his soccer teams will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Harper Foley’s life was brief, but the memories he created across the many communities he called home will remain with those who knew and loved him. His family and friends continue to remember him with affection as they honor his life and legacy.
About the Author
