Charles Fred Roper, 87

Charles Fred Roper, 87, of Pineville, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, at his home after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family.

Fred had many fond memories of growing up in Pineville and never wanted to live anywhere else. Fred was community minded and served as a former Pineville City Councilman and interim mayor. He was especially proud of his football career as a Pineville Mountain Lion in the 1950s. He was All Conference for three years, honorable mention All State for two years and first team All State in his senior year. As co-captain of the team in his senior year, he played with painful injuries but never missed a game. During his senior season, the Mountain Lions were ranked No. 1 overall in the State rankings. He was inducted into the Pineville Schools Hall of Fame in September, 2012. He continued to support and cheer the Pineville Mountain Lions on throughout his life.

Fred was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 369, for over 60 years. He had many interesting memories of his work as a journeyman electrician traveling all over the United States. Fred’s last job with the Union was working on the Cumberland Gap Tunnel before his retirement.

As a testament to Fred’s strength and positive attitude, when the oncologist revealed his diagnosis, he said, “It’s okay. I’ve had a great life and I’ve enjoyed it.” Fred was a kind and caring person. He never met a stranger. The world feels a little dimmer without Fred’s light.

Fred was born on April 5, 1936 in Pineville, Kentucky, to his parents, Jefferson Roper and Elizabeth Bowman Roper. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Billy, Jon, Jeff and Gene; and daughter-in-law, Renee Roper.

Family left to forever mourn his passing and appreciate the many wonderful memories of having him in their lives for so many years are his (best buddy) and loving and devoted wife of nearly 45 years, Patricia Roper; sons, Allen (Joanie) Roper, Shelbyville, Kentucky, Doug Roper, Pineville, Kentucky; daughter, Sally Roper and Buck Cole, Blountville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Jeremy (Kimberly) Roper, Simpsonville,

Kentucky, Rachel (Gary) Howard, Pineville, Kentucky, Christian Williams and Dave Clifford, Nashville, Tennessee; great-granddaughter, Khloe Howard, Pineville, Kentucky; brother, Doug (Jeaneal) Roper, Fort

Worth, Texas; brother-in-law, Kevin (Deanna) Wilder, Middlesboro, Kentucky; and sisters-in-law, Gloria (Billy) Lee, Miracle, Kentucky, Lesia (Billy) Pendleton, Elizabethton, Tennessee, and Sandy Roper, Peoria, Illinois, together with many well-loved nieces, nephews and friends.

A special thank you to Dr. Martha Combs-Woolum for her many years of care and friendship. The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassion and care extended to Fred by the team at Bluegrass Hospice Care. Thank you to all the friends and neighbors who sent prayers and offers of help.

To all of those who have experienced the hopelessness and grief of a loved one’s cancer death, we want to say that we know your pain.

If family and friends would like to make a donation in Fred’s memory, the family suggests Friends of the Bell County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 2534, Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965, or Bluegrass Hospice Care.

At Fred’s request, cremation was performed at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center. A family celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville is honored to serve the Roper Family.

Light a candle of remembrance and sign the guest register at www.arnettsteele.com.