William Gary Roper, 87, of Greenwood, husband of Jane Roper, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont.
Born January 2, 1937 in Easley, SC, he was the son of the late William Morris and Ethel Mae Powell Roper. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his daughters, Robyn Roper Agnew (Paul), Kristi Roper Hays, both of Greenwood, his grandson, William R. (Will) Hays of Greenville, his step-daughter, Hannah Pfeiffer (Jim) of Tallahassee, FL, and his step-granddaughter, Gracen Gantt of Greenwood. He is also survived by two special sisters-in-law, Susan Burton and Dolores Purdue, as well as close family friend and “fourth” daughter, Tammy Roundtree Sampson, all of Greenwood.
Upon graduating from Easley High School in 1955 and following an impressive textile league baseball career, Gary entered Wofford College on a football and baseball scholarship. Following an injury, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for two years. He completed his education at Erskine College in 1965, earning the B.S. in Health and Physical Education. During this time, he also served as playground coordinator at the Greenwood YMCA, which was foundational to his long and successful career mentoring youth.
In 1965 Gary officially assumed the role of “Coach Roper” when he was hired as head football coach at Northside Junior High in Greenwood. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 1992, amassing a record of 168-39-3 and winning 17 city championships. He also served as head baseball coach at Greenwood High School from 1982-1992 and, upon retirement from District 50, was asked to begin an eight-man football program at Cambridge Academy. Throughout his career, he was active in the South Carolina Coaches Association and regularly participated in the annual coaching clinics. While Coach Roper was a fierce competitor and enjoyed winning, his primary focus was on player development, both athletic and personal. He mentored countless young men and consistently modeled honesty, integrity, discipline, kindness, and self-respect. He instilled confidence in his players, encouraged them, loved them, and had an uncanny knack for bringing out their best. In the weeks prior to his death, many of those he coached visited him, both sharing and demonstrating how he positively influenced their lives.
Gary was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church for almost 50 years. There he served on the education committee and as an usher, played in the church softball league, participated in the men’s fellowship group and FCA. Gary loved the outdoors and spent many hours fishing and hunting with friends. He was also an avid golfer, with six holes in one to his credit. He enjoyed his leadership role in the CSRA Seniors Golf Association, served as a ranger at Hunters Creek Golf Course, and always looked forward to weekend golf trips to Santee with his buddies. Gary loved gathering with his family at his home in Hunters Creek. He was a dedicated Gamecock fan, and attended many sporting events through the years on the USC campus. Another of his favorite pastimes was meeting friends at the Dixie for coffee and conversation.
Gary never met a stranger, remembered everyone he ever taught or coached, thought it important to call others by their name, and treated each and every person with respect and kindness.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24 at South Main Baptist Church, with Reverend Jason Wilson and Reverend Joey Gambrell of St. Mark UMC, as well as Reverend Johnnie Waller officiating.
Pallbearers will be Bill Lloyd, John Thompson, Ben Marcengill, Craig Whitt, Charles Lockhart, Jim Martin, Dexter Fisher, and Gil Cade. Special escort will be Dr. Tom Stevens.
Honorary escort will be Coach Roper’s former football and baseball players, as well as his assistant coaches.
Burial with military honors will immediately follow at Oakbrook Memorial Park.
Visitation will be held at Blyth Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 23.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont for the love and compassion they showed “Coach,” both while he was at home and in residential care.
Memorials may be made to the Coach Gary Roper Scholarship Fund at the Lakelands YMCA, Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, or St. Mark United Methodist Church.
