Roper, T.P.

Thomas Preston Trigg Roper (T.P.), died in Colonial Heights, VA, on March 8, 2008 at the age of 91. T.P. was born October 16, 1916. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip Rainey Roper and Margaret White Trigg Roper, his wife of 59 and ½ years, Emma (Kippy) Way Thompson Roper, his son, Thomas Preston Trigg Roper, Jr., and his brothers, Philip Rainey Roper, Jr. and LeRoy Bartlett Roper. T.P. graduated from the Petersburg High School and the University of Virginia and served in the army during WWII. Following the war, T. P. joined the family owned business, Roper Bothers Lumber Company. T. P. served primarily as Vice-President of Purchasing until his retirement in 1981 after 36 years. He was a gifted listener and facilitator. A fifth generation Petersburg resident, T. P. was active at Christ and Grace Episcopal Church. He served on the Vestry and headed the Stewardship drive for two years. He sang in the choir for many years, was president of the Men’s Club one year and served as a Lay Shepherd. He was very compassionate, donning an apron to help feed the homeless locally, and contributing generously to education and to help relieve suffering. A Distinguished Fellow of the Rotarians, he had nearly perfect attendance after joining in 1948, whether he was at home, in Marathon, FL, or visiting in another community. T. P. had a life long passion for dancing. He slalom water skied until he was 80 and loved playing tennis for several more years. He played bridge into his 90’s. T. P. was a true southern gentleman, always looking for the best in people, and quietly helping others in need. He was the devoted husband, first caring for his father-in-law and then his wife for a number of years. At Dunlop House, he enjoyed greeting newcomers and assisting anyone he noticed needed help. He learned everyone’s name and something about their life and family. T. P. is survived by his three daughters Elizabeth (Bets) Roper Golden and husband, Mike, of Auburn, AL, Margaret Trigg Roper and husband Cliff Johnson, of Silver Spring, MD and Jean Trigg Roper Hogan and husband, Jack, of Norfolk, and three grandsons, Robert Paul Johnson, David Patrick Johnson and Christopher Miles Golden. A visitation will be held in his honor on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the Dunlop House, 235 Dunlop Farms Blvd, Colonial Heights, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The interment of his cremains will take place on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 10 a.m. in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, VA, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Christ & Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. David Teschner and Rev. Boston Lackey officiating. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Rotary Club of Petersburg Charitable Foundation, PO Box 3311, Petersburg, VA, 23805 or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are being conducted by the J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Petersburg, where condolences to the family may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com