Funeral services for Byard Monroe Roper Jr., 88, of Clarkesville, were held Sunday, Dec. 8, at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Interment followed the service in Yonah Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Roper passed away peacefully Dec. 5, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.
Born Jan. 21, 1931, he was the son of the late Byard M. Roper Sr. and the late Julia Landers Roper. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years in 2015.
He is survived by his children, Brenda (Bruce) Nicholson of Demorest, Barry (Angie) Roper of Clarkesville, and Debi (Dwight) Minyard of Virginia Beach, Virginia; grandsons, Matthew (Kristy) Nicholson, Ben (Darby) Nicholson, and Corey (Haley) Cantrell; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Layla, Noah, Ryder, Jackson, Luke, Addie, and Noelle. Additionally, he is survived by sisters, Anita Roper of Clarkesville, Audrey Snyder of Lexington, Kentucky, and Carolyn Richardson of Atlanta; and sisters-in-law, Adrian Stonecypher and Dorothy Holbrook, both of Clarkesville.
Mr. Roper was a graduate of Piedmont College and served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. He worked in various positions at Fieldale Farms for 39 years. However, his greatest pleasure was working in his garden, his yard, and his orchard. He was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and served as a deacon and in other leadership roles. He enjoyed volunteering in his community with Habitat for Humanity, Sharing and Caring, North Georgia Technical College and the Lion's Club. He had a tremendous heart for giving to others and his generosity was boundless.
Mr. Roper will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to: Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 982, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
An online guest book is available at hillsidememorialchapel.com.
Arrangements were in the care of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville.