Paul Spotswood Roper, Iii

Roper, III, Paul Spotswood (“Spot”) died Saturday, August 18, 2018. Spot was born in Petersburg, Virginia on March 27, 1949. He was the son of the late Paul Roper, Jr and Mary McNeal Roper. He is survived by his wife, Donna Kay (“Kay”) Hines Roper of Midlothian, VA; his son, Thomas Rutherfoord Roper and his wife Holly of Richmond, VA; his stepson Clint Trapp and his wife Shannon and their children Zina and Aidan of Midlothian; his brother George H. M. Roper and his wife Mary Kevan and their children Mary Kevan Moore (Tommy), George H. M. Roper, Jr, and Gordon B. G. Roper of Richmond; his sister Mary Stoddard and her husband Dan and their children William F. Stoddard (Ashley) and Andrew M. Stoddard, of Richmond; and many beloved in-laws. Spot was baptized, confirmed, and married his wife Kay at Christ and Grace Episcopal Church in Petersburg. He was a graduate of Petersburg High School and Hampden-Sydney College, where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. After college Spot started a career in the tobacco industry, where he worked at American Tobacco Company and Phillip Morris/Altria from which he retired in 2005. Spot remained very active in retirement, serving on various committees at the Woodlake United Methodist Church. He was very civic-minded, frequently serving at the Chesterfield County polls during elections and contributing numerous letters to the editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch on everything from politics to environmental issues related to the menhaden fishing industry. He was a passionate supporter of the Hampden-Sydney Tigers, enjoyed golf and travel, was a walking encyclopedia of local and college sports, and was the “go-to” for family history for both the Ropers and McNeals. He was also a member of the National Society of Sons of the American Revolution and the Virginia Society, Sons of the Revolution. He loved laughter, music, and above all his family. He will be greatly missed. Visitation will be Sunday, August 26 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Petersburg Chapel. There will be a graveside service at 11:00 am Monday, August 27 at Blandford Cemetery. Reception to follow at City Table, 9 E. Old Street, Petersburg. The family requests donations be made to the Woodlake United Methodist Church Memorial Fund ( www.woodlakeumc.org ). Condolences may be registered at ww.jtmorriss.com.