Ralph Wesley Roper

Ralph Wesley Roper, 54, of Hickory, NC died Saturday, October 14, 2011 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on May 21, 1957, he was the son of Ralph Howard Roper and wife, Rochelle, and the late Lilly Virginia Norville Moody. Ralph was a truck driver for 27 years, during which his last employer was Sain and Heavner Trucking Company in Vale, NC. He enjoyed fishing and playing pool, and using his mechanical talents on various types of vehicles.Ralph is survived by his fiancé, Pamela Lukomski of the home; a son, Timmy Roper and wife, Sarah; brothers, Rick Roper and wife, Darlene, and Randy Roper and wife, Ruthie; a sister, Lib Waters and friend, Gary Chester; a granddaughter, Cynthia Rose Roper; nephews, Zach and Steve Roper; nieces, Tammy Brackett and Cynthia Patton; a great-niece, Abigail Roper; and a ?special? great-nephew, Steven Roper, II.In addition to his mother, Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Price Roper.The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 17, 2011 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Jack Moses officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence of the brother, Rick Roper, on J.R. Tallent Road in Morganton.Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.