Donald Roper
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Donald "Don" Wayne Roper, 72, of Lavonia, Georgia passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Hospice House in Athens on Saturday, June 22, 2019.
Don was born in Marietta on September 14, 1946. He attended the University of Georgia two years prior to a call of service in the Army, including a tour in Vietnam. Don's career included many years in the insurance industry. He was a partner at Jim Anderson & Company in Decatur and Lawrenceville until 1987. A love of Lake Hartwell led him to relocate to Lavonia in 1990 where he founded a boat storage facility that was later merged into his ownership of Tugaloo Corners Store from 1994-2016. Don's hobbies included golfing, fishing, and exploring National Parks. He was a devoted and lifelong supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years Joni Waylor Roper; son Benjamin, of Cumming; daughter Jackie, of Lavonia; grandsons Brett, Taylor, and Jamie Wood; mother Mary Pettett Roper, Woodstock.; brother Richard Roper, McMinnville, TN; sister Judy Roper Mayo (Ken), Canton. Don was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Carter Roper, and son Pat Roper.
Following cremation, no services will be held at Don's request. Donations can be made in his memory to Food 4 Kids, Lavonia United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 176, Lavonia GA 30553.
Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.