John Wayne Roper
May 4, 1958 ~ April 1, 2017
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
John Wayne Roper, 58, of Asheville, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Mission Hospital.
A native of Franklin, NC, he is survived by his wife, Jean Dills Roper, of Asheville; mother, Ella Frances Roper Bryson, step-father, Charles Bryson, and aunt, Barbara Roper, all of Franklin. He was preceded in death by his father, John William Roper; aunt, Josephine Cabe; and uncle, Charles Cabe.
He worked as a Senior Ministry Associate for Blue Ridge Broadcasting, 106.9 The Light. He was an ordained minister who served several years as a Chaplain for Asheville Fire and Police Departments and the WNC Peer Support Teams. He was an active member and deacon at Lake Hills Church in Asheville. Mr. Roper leaves a lifetime legacy of faith, humor, and caring for others.
In addition to his wife and mother, Mr. Roper is survived by step-brother, Chuck Bryson (Cindy); step-sisters, Deanna Pace (Bill), Shelley Peeples (Matthew) and their families; numerous cousins, and extended family.
The funeral service for Mr. Roper will be at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday at Trinity Baptist Church, Asheville, with Rev. Dr. James Walker, and Pastor Stephen Buys officiating. Interment will take place on Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at Cowee Baptist Church Cemetery, Franklin, NC with Rev. Louis Grant officiating.
His family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Memorials may be made to The Ehlers-Danlos Society, P.O. Box 87463, Montgomery Village, MD 20886, to Lake Hills Church, 370 Lake Dr., Candler, NC 28715, or to Blue Ridge Broadcasting, P.O. Box 159, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.
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When Wayne stepped into one’s life for any reason, that life was impacted for good. He will be missed, but may you find peace in knowing that he is finally at home with the Lord.
Dear Jean and family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of this dear man. Wayne was such an inspiration to everyone he was ever around. The love you had for each other was genuine and such a testimony of what God intended for marriage to be. You both have brightened our days so many times and we know that one day we will be joined together again walking the streets of gold. Praying for comfort in the days ahead and that sweet memories will fill your hearts.
With love and sympathy,
Wayne was a wonderful Christian friend. I was secretary in the patrol division of Asheville Police Department for 14 years. Wayne was a volunteer chaplain for APD and he was such an encouragement to me during those years. He has touched so many lives and I am so thankful God allowed me to know him. May God bless and comfort all of Wayne’s family during this difficult time.
Jean, we are so very sorry for your loss. Wayne was such a light for our savior. All I can think of when I think of Wayne is…Well done, my good and faithful servant. Such a wonderful man of God. Praying for the peace that passes all understanding for you my friend. Gerald and I are here for you if you need anything.
Jean so sorry for your broken heart I know how hard this is Wayne was a wonderful man who always had a smile on his face and always encourage those around him he will be missed praying for you for comfort and encouragement
Jean, you are in my thoughts and prayers. So happy I knew Wayne–always a smile whenever I saw him. In God’s love
I miss Wayne a very special cousin prayers for you
Jean, so sad to hear of Wayne’s passing. He truly was a fine man, one who served his Master well. He will definitely be missed by those who knew him. You are in our prayers.
Jean,
Our prayers are for you and the extended family. He was special to us and the CBMC of Asheville.
Wayne, You are going to be missed in a way that you could not imagine. However, this happens when you are a child of God such as yourself. May God truly bless Jean, Frances and Barbara as they deal with losing your earthly soul but prayers for peace that you now reside in your new home forever. I love you buddy and appreciate all and everything that you did for me as a friend, first cousin and as a minister. Sandy
Dear Jean,
I know that words are inadequate at a time like this but I wanted you to know how very sorry I am for your loss of Wayne.
It is times like this that our faith is put to the test. We know that we must accept his passing and give thanks for the wonderful life he lived. As sad as it will be, we will always have the memory of him to hold in our hearts.
The Bible reminds us that ‘Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted.’ I pray that this will be especially true for you as you mourn your loss. I pray that God will give you the strength to see you through this sad and difficult time. My thoughts, prayers and support are yours. I love you, Jean.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I thought of Wayne as a cousin because of our connection through Uncle Charles and Aunt Josephine. I have fond memories of Wayne at Kenny’s birthday parties, when it was just Kenny, Wayne, my brother, Lake, and myself (plus adults). Barbara was always happy and proud to tell us what Wayne was doing. I enjoyed, and will cherish, spending a little time with Wayne (and Jean) more recently, even though it was at a time of loss for all of us.
Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. Wayne brought a ray of sunshine whenever he entered a room. I don’t recall ever seeing him without a smile on his face. I am remembering you in prayer.
A key leader for the WNC Peer Support Network, I will greatly miss Wayne’s calm, reassuring strength and faith. A mentor for other Chaplains and a confidante for First Responders, Wayne’s cheerful presence and listening skills will be deeply missed.
Prayers for Wayne’s family and friends.
Jean & Family lifting you all up in prayer and if their is anything we can do let us know! Wayne was an inspiration to others & always had a beautiful smile when we seen him! You all were such a sweet beautiful couple together & know you will truly miss him, he will always be dear to your heart & you have wonderful memories of your time together! Gone to Soon, But Not Forgotten!
We Luv You Pretty Lady, Karen & Bill Carter
So sorry for your lose Jean, Wayne was a loved man and will be missed by all. Praying for your peace.
Love to you,
The Shopes
Jean, I am very sorry for your loss. I know what it is to loose a mate. Wayne was a very good man and someone a person felt comfortable being around. He loved the Lord and others around him. Not able to attend services, having surgery’? early on the 6th but our prayers are with you and family.
Jean I am so very sorry for your loss. 17 Years ago I had cancer and as I walked into Sunday school broken, Wayne would meet me with a smile and hug. Then on my first visit to lakes hills you both met me at the door with a smile and a hug. Then he taught a class that helped remind me of Gods heart healing power. He was always there to talk and pray with me. He was There for any and everyone. I am just one Of hundreds. I am blessed to have had you both in my life. He has touched so many hearts, I know he touched mine. He will be so very missed. Gods comfort on you Jean.
Jean, Wayne taught me so much about what it means to truly love people. My prayers are with you and your family.
Wayne was a true soldier for Christ. He will be missed by so many here on earth. One day we will gather together around that Heavenly Throne.
To Wayne’s family…I first met Wayne when he joined us at Harwell Insurance Agency here in Franklin…he hoped to grow in the insurance field. Our doors closed when my husband Tap died in 1983. Wayne moved on, married Jean and found his calling in ministry. I feel blessed to have known Wayne many years….His passing will affect many , many people. God bless all of you, his loving family…
Oh Jean. I’m so sorry for your loss. We think the world of you both. You will be in our prayers as you adjust to life without Wayne. He was a blessing to all who knew him. You are in our prayers.
Shane and Brenda Logan
Jean. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so blessed to have got to know Wayne and you the past four years. He always had a smile and was an encourager at times when he could use encouragement himself.
My prayer for you, and the rest of the family, is that you can feel God’s presence during these difficult days ahead, and a peace that only HE can give.
Betty Ponder
We became acquainted with Wayne several years ago, when he first contacted us about becoming business partners with WMIT/Blue Ridge Broadcasting. He was such a friendly and enthusiastic ambassador for the station, but more importantly, he was a committed and Christ-like ambassador for the Lord. We were so sorry to learn of his passing, and pray that the Holy Spirit will give comfort and strength to his family and co-workers in this grievous time of loss. He leaves a legacy of one who feared and served the Lord. Sincerely, Patti Harper of The Harper Law Firm, Sylva, NC
We thank God for Wayne Roper and his service to our Lord. He has touched our lives and we will always remember our first mission trip together. He was a serious man who enjoyed life, had a remarkable sense of humor, and like to have fun! We will deeply miss Wayne and our prayers are with Jean in the loss of a dear husband who treasured her immensely. May God bless you and keep you and your family close in this time of mourning. We rejoice that Wayne has made it to his final home where there is no more pain or suffering.
Heartfelt condolences for Jean and the family. Wayne was one very extraordinary person. With a huge heart and an even larger personality. He always made me smile and made me feel welcome, and the stories he could share made goose bumps on my arms. He made an impact on my life with his testimony as I am sure he did for many others as well. He will be truly missed, but oh to see the light in his eyes when he met his Heavenly God he spoke of so freely. The sun surely shown brighter that day! Prayers to you sweet Jean. God Bless you in the weeks and months ahead!
jean ,i am so sorry for the loss of Wayne.. It seems like only yesterday that we were all standing across from indian mound joking and cutting up..he was a great guy to know and a great friend to have.. with all my love to you and the memory of wayne. love to you.
Wayne was a truly a person who walked in humility and glorified his Lord and Savior Jesus
Always a perfect gentleman
I am thankful to have known him
He will be missed
Jean! We hurt for you at just the mere thoughts of your sadness you must feel! We are and will continue to lift you in our prayers! As I read all the wonderful lives Wayne has touched I see how much Joy, wisdom,and good friendship we missed in getting to know him earlier in our lives here on earth! Next life for sure!
Jean, I first met you and Wayne as we sat together at one of our Wednesday night dinners at Lake Hills Church sometime ago. You both stood out as ‘special’ from that very moment, and it was always good to see you both faithfully serving in our church. My heart aches for your loss, but also rejoices in Wayne’s gain of his heavenly home. I will continue praying that God bless you, the rest of your family, and Wayne’s WMIT family with every comfort, strength, and peace in Jesus Christ.
Jean, my heart breaks for you, but I know Wayne walks streets of gold now. My prayers are for you in the days and weeks to come. If I can do anything for you please let me know. Much love to you and may God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Jean,
You and your family are in our prayers. Wayne was a very special man.
Dear Jean, I am so very thankful to have served the Lord with Wayne in Member Care and am very sorry for the loss that you must be feeling right now. He was truly a gift to those suffering that he visited in the hospital, as well as a very joyful presence to so many of us. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. May you know and feel a special presence of the God that Wayne knew and loved so well. Many are praying for you and your family.
Jean, Inonly have fond, loving memories of my brother Wayne! He was a joy to be around always and I will always treasure our adventures together in WV. I confess to much frustration in that we were actually traveling through Asheville on Sunday and did not hear of his passing until we were in Virginia. However, that is of little consequence in the greater scheme of things, of which Wayne is now a part. Godspeed my friend! See you in glory!
Dear Jean, We are praying for God’s comfort for you during this very difficult time .We loved Wayne,He was always a ray of sunshine for us and I know for many others as well..He was a wonderful servant for our Lord.We will miss our sweet friend.
Jean and family,
I jam so very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers..
Jean over the past years you have shared stories of your wonderful Wayne and the recent years with his health struggle. The stories here show he has touched many. He is now pain free.with his savior.
You are a strong woman but please know I am here day or night if you ever need anything or just to talk.
Bless you and your Wayne in heaven above.
The Guarnaccia Family
Praying for the family. We will miss him.
Wayne was a super person. It is Heaven’s gain and our loss. He will be missed but for sure one day we will see him again. Don and Virginia Wick
To the family of Wayne Roper.
I am the marketing director for The Bair Foundation, a local foster care ministry . Wayne was my rep at 106.9. I am so sorry & shocked to hear about his passing this weekend. I had worked with Wayne since 2011 and found him to be a Godly man of integrity and always willing to go the extra mile to help us find families for foster children. He will be deeply missed but we rest knowing he is with his Father in Heaven in perfect peace.
To the family of Wayne Roper… May you find peace and grace with Our Lord and Savior Jesus. He can and will fill the void left by Wayne’s passing. This is NEVER the end but just the beginning for Wayne. My prayers will be with the family.
During my career as an investigator with the Asheville Police Department, I was assisted by Chaplain Roper on several occasions. The service that he provided to grieving family members and to others in crisis was always heartfelt, genuine, and a testament to his commitment to serve others through his ministry. I, as well as all of the members of our agency, will certainly miss his presence with us. My condolences go to his friends and family.
Jean I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man Wayne was. May God embrace you and continue to comfort you during this time. My prayers are with you and the family. xo
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. May God comfort you during the days ahead. . Ms Barbara, special prayers for you.
Jean, The Johnson Family is lifting you up in prayer. Our hearts hurt with you, but at the same time we rejoice that one of the Lord’s precious, faithful servants is with Him for all eternity. There are so many words to describe Wayne: compassionate, gentle, genuine, humble, unselfish, committed, loving, kind, funny, fun, servant, pure in heart and service, and one that glorified our Lord Jesus Christ. What precious memories we have during our time at West Asheville Baptist Church. Wayne served faithfully and was a witness to the Savior in ALL he did. Yes, he will be missed temporarily, but ultimately we will be reunited where we all will serve and praise and worship our Lord! I can see Wayne’s eye now as he portrayed one of the disciples of Jesus in The Highest Place. Indeed, he was a disciple for Christ in his ever day life. He has left a wonderful impact on all who knew him and his influence will continue. The greatest comfort we have in times of loss is knowing that death does not have the last word-Jesus does! He IS the Resurrection and the Life and whoever lives and believes in Him will Never die. Much love to you, Jean, and the extended family.
Karen Johnson and Family
Jean and family, I will miss Wayne’s warms smiles and hugs. He always had words of encouragement and a presence of peace. We at APD are so blessed by the time he selflessly gave to us. What a crown he will have to give our Lord. He was never ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and set an example to me for how to live it out. Thank you for sharing him with us.
I met Wayne a fee times as a phone volunteer at 106.9 the Light. What a warm and loving man who radiated Christ! A true servant who wholly lived for Christ. He will be missed. God’s peace to all!
Jean word’s can’t tell you how much that Wayne meant to Greg and I you have my prayers and thoughts and love
I retired from the Asheville Police Department a couple of years ago and knew Wayne from his compassionate work with law enforcement professionals and grieving families as a volunteer chaplain. Wayne would be the first to notify family members of the loss or injury of their loved one. His obvious caring for these families was a model for everyone to follow. Wayne did not seek the spotlight but quietly in his Christ-like way would counsel, assist, and pray with anyone needing a loving hand on their shoulder. He was a true friend who deeply cared for folks needing a kind word or a listening ear.
Wayne was one of the most positive and upbeat people that I have ever met. He never had a bad day and was always more concerned with your well-being than with his own. Now, he is resting in the arms of Jesus and will never, ever have a bad day. Thank you Wayne for your ever present smile. It was almost impossible to be in a bad mood after spending a few minutes with Wayne. You touched more lives than we can count.
What a dear servant of the Lord. Always joyful, with a kind word for everyone. He was faithful to His calling, willing on a moments notice to be at a berieved person’s side, to give a devotional @ the Christian Business Men’s weekly meetings, to accept responsibilities, even when his uncertain health said otherwise, and passing to all the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Father has called home one of his best. We love you Jean and, with you, will miss him deeply.
Dear Jean, Wayne always spoke so lovingly of you. He was proud of the work you did at Mission, but especially proud of the Godly woman you were. I know his biggest regret was leaving you. One day we will all have dinner together and talk of Jesus and how good He has been to us throughout our lives. The next season of your life will be hard…remember Jesus is just a prayer away.
Jean and Family,
What a precious man I was blessed to know. So thankful to have met you both all those years ago. When I would see you all in passing it was like it was just the other day. Always the same. Such a wonderful heart and one that truly loved you Jean! Please know I am praying for you and treasure what a blessing you both are on this earth! See you again Wayne Roper! Heaven has gained another angel! too soon for us on earth!
Wayne has been a special friend to all of us at the Christian Business Men’s Connection for many years. He was a gentle spirit, a real trooper in spite of his illnesses, a trusted spiritual guide and genuine Christian gentleman. Only the Lord knows all of his contributions to the Christian and non-Christian communities. Our prayers are with all of his family and friends.
Jean, I am so sorry to hear about Wayne. We know it has sometimes been a tough journey for both of you, but you both always seemed to carry on with it with great strength. I wish you much peace and healing in the days to come.
I will be working 2nd shift tomorrow, but our thoughts will be with you.
Dear Jean,
In his gentleness we found his strength, we are so blessed to have had him in our lives. An Angel among us for sure. our sincere condolences to you and the family. We are here if you need us. We will keep his memory alive.
He had such Joy within him, that spread like living waters.
We know that Jesus truly is our umbrella in the storm. You are in our daily prayers.
Jean, we we’re blessed to spend some time with you and Wayne a few months back at the Cove. I am thankful for the little bit of time I got to know Wayne. Dana and I will be praying for your family and peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Jean. May God bring you peace and comfort.
There was a hero’s welcome in heaven this week as Wayne went home. What an impact one life well lived can have on so many others! It is an honor for us to call this giant of a man our friend. Jean, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jean, we were so blessed to have known Wayne. He had a great impact on my life and was truly a man of God who blessed so many people. I’ve known Wayne for many years and know that he desired to please God. Although he has left this world, his presence and influence will live on for many years. Our hearts break for you and you remain in our prayers. May God give you peace and comfort during the days ahead.
Death brings pain that only time can heal,
No words could ease what we truly feel;
But with God, his joy is eternally sealed,
And cherish his memories that death can’t even steal.
Lift up a smile for he is already in Paradise’
We are so very sorry for your loss. It was so good to get to know Wayne during the APD citizens academy. His smiling face and warm personality was a blessing to us. We know he did a great work for the people of our community. He can rest in the arms of Jesus now as God says ‘well done good and faithful servant’ to him.
I am saddened to hear of this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grieving.
Dear Jean, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Please know you have been in my thoughts and prayers this week.
Dear Jean, I am so sorry to hear of Wayne’s death. I pray that God will comfort you as only he can. My prayers are with you Jean, may God bless you. Jack Dendy.
So sorry to hear the news but glad that I know where he is now. I met Wayne at a concert event and enjoyed speaking with him. Very nice time. Great worship experience. We will miss him.
Great memories with Wayne as a teenager. Sotry we lost touch and never got to know him as an adult. Sounds like he was a great man!