Obe "Wayne" Roper

Obe “Wayne” Roper, 74 of Marion, NC passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Willow Ridge Rehabilitation and Living Center in Rutherfordton, NC surrounded by his loved ones.  Born December 29, 1943 in Burke County, he was a son of the late Obe and Lucy Smith Roper.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by a brother, Burts Lee Roper and wife, Jamie Faye Owensby Roper; sister, Aileen Roper Branch; half-sister, Ellen Roper Smith; half-brothers, Earl, Dal, Wilson, and Charles Roper; and extended family, Stephan Love.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his lifetime mate, Janet Love of Marion; daughter, Vicky Peabody and husband, Roy of Morganton; son, David Roper and wife, Shelley of Cordova, Tennessee; and grandchildren, Ashlee and husband Matt, Taylor, Carson, Trevor, Christopher, and Jordan and wife Jessica.  Also surviving are three great-grandchildren; extended family, Terry Love and wife, Margaret of Marion and Emily McKinney and husband, Eddie of Marion; and a number of nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives.

Wayne was a graduate of Salem High School, Class of 1962.  He proceeded to get a degree as a Ford mechanic.  Having earned his degree, he became head foreman over the Drexel Heritage Truck Division for thirty years.

Wayne was instrumental in helping to establish the Brendletown Volunteer Fire Department by donating the land which the establishment was built.  He served as the first fire chief for a number of years.

Wayne was an avid Ford car lover and enjoyed restoring older cars.  He restored a 1973 Ford Mustang which he enjoyed taking to car shows where he earned numerous first place trophies.

Wayne had a love for country cooking and sweets, especially homemade banana pudding and German chocolate cake.

Wayne was very kind and never met a stranger.  He was loved by all who met him.  He was very family oriented and dearly loved his family, extended family, and friends.  Wayne will be missed by all of his family, friends, and relatives.

“GO REST HIGH ON THE MOUNTAIN PAWPAW”

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Stephenson officiating.  Burial will follow at Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.