Walter Roper

Belden - Walter Carol Roper, 86, died Thursday, September 30, 2010, at Rosewood Residence. A Lee County native, he was born June 15, 1924, to Leonard and Gladys Roper. He grew up in the Unity Community and graduated from Belden High School. He married Blanche Young on July 12, 1946. He was a longtime resident of Belden and member of Belden Baptist Church. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific and participated in action in Saipan, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. He dedicated 38 years of service to the Savings Oil Company whom he regarded as an extension of his own family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family. He will always be remembered for his friendly smile and great sense of humor.

Services will be 3:30 p.m. Sunday, October 3, 2010, at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Dr. Don Baggett and Dr. David Eldridge officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Belden Cemetery.

Survivors include one son, C.J. (Junior) Roper and wife, Kaye Gibson Roper; three grandchildren, Ron Roper and wife, Tara Thomas Roper, Ryan Roper and wife, Shelley Cartwright Roper, and Kaycee Roper Burrell and husband, Benjamin Burrell; and three great-grandchildren, Lily Mayo Roper, Thomas Gibson Roper, and Sadie Frances Roper, all of Tupelo; his sisters, Dollie Whitney of Osceola, Ark. and Annie May Morris of West Memphis, Ark.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Blanche Roper; his parents, an infant son, Timothy Roper, and his brother, Leon Roper.

Pallbearers will be Reuben Greer, Jerry Webb, Jay Morris, Mike Gibson, Dr. Don Whitney, Ron Roper, Ryan Roper, and Benjamin Burrell.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Coffee Drinkers at Jeans Store, his longtime friends who officially voted him Chairman of the Board.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. to service time at the funeral home.

The family appreciates all of the thoughts, prayers, and countless visits during his stay at Rosewood Residence, which made Pepaws journey home much easier for us all. We would also like to extend our love and gratitude to each of his caregivers at Rosewood.

Memorials may be made to Belden Baptist Church, 4121 McCullough Blvd, Belden, MS 38826.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com