Robert J. Roper, known to many as “Scratch”, was from one of the first settling families in Trussville and was the owner of Roper Lumber Company. Although he traveled widely, first during his time in the United States Army, and later working as an ironworker, Trussville was always home. He had friends from all over the country, from many stages and all ages.
Scratch was a Cold War Veteran, serving as a “Circle C Cowboy” in the United States Army Constabulary unit in West Germany and Italy – 14th Armored Cavalry, 2nd Battalion, 1948-1952.
He married Mary Ruth Jones on October 1, 1954. Together with their two children, they moved all over the United States following jobs with Ironworker Union Local #25. In 1971 the family returned to Trussville and Scratch took over as the third generation owner of Roper Lumber Company. After retiring from the lumber business, Scratch worked for Tortorigi construction for over 20 years.
Scratch loved his family most of all and loved nothing more than visiting with family and friends. His stories and adventures were legendary. He loved taking road trips and spent over three decades driving around North America with his grandchildren. He also loved music and was almost always humming a tune. He was The Best Papaw.
Preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell E. And Neoma Roper; his sisters, Marjorie Lockamy and Tootsie Ware; brothers Bo Roper and Mickey Roper; and his wife of 68 years, Mary Ruth Roper. Survived by his children Lynn McDaniel (Belton) and Mitchell Lane Roper (Lesli); his five grandchildren, Amber Roper Long (Kevin); Brittany Roper Flatau (Marsh); Alana Robertson; Loryn Groover (Cory); Kaylyn McDaniel (Nate); and ten great-grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, in-laws, and numerous dear friends, though many more have gone on before in his 94 years.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 22 at 2:30, immediately followed by funeral service at 3:30 at Deerfoot Memorial, Trussville. Interment will be at Sulpher Springs Cemetery.