Committal
Ricky Howard "Yoyo" Roper, 66, of Morganton, NC passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Born in Burke County, NC on August 30, 1958, he was the son of the late Ralph Howard Roper and Lillie Virginia Norville.
Ricky served in the North Carolina National Guard from 1975 until 1984 and then dedicated over three decades to working at Western Youth Institution (Highrise), from 1980 to 2011. Outside of work, Ricky enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including hunting and fishing, and he was a member of the Western Archery Association.
Ricky was passionate about billiards. He started his own business, Billiards Extension Depot LLC, where he crafted and sold innovative pool cue extensions. Among his proudest achievements was the design and patent of a unique palm bridge, a testament to his creativity and love for billiards.
Ricky is survived by his wife of 45 years, Darlene Tallent Roper; son, Steve Roper (Jessica); grandchildren, Steven and Abigail Roper; and a brother, Randy Lane Roper.
In addition to his parents, Ricky was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Wesley Roper; and a sister, Elizabeth Libby Waters.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 24, 2025 at Abee's Grove Baptist Church in Valdese with Pastor Rudy Hayes officiating. Honors will be provided by the NC Department of Corrections Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Abee's Grove Baptist Church, 654 Abee's Grove Church Road SE, Valdese, NC 28690.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Ricky Howard "Yoyo" Roper.
Darlene, truly sorry and so sad to hear about the passing of Ricky. Praying much for your strength.
No words can replace a Dear Friend , God has a place for all Belivers . A true friend that will always be remembered for his kindness.
Darlene and family. I am very sorry for your loss. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God's guidance ease your grief
You will be missed. Prayers to the family! Onto the big pool table in the sky our friend!
Mr roper was one of the nicest people I know and very very respectful. He was also one of many loyal customers at Allison's family restaurant that i had the pleasure to serve and get to know. Thank you Mr Roper. And I will continue to pray for this family during this difficult time. Sending my love as well. Heavens even better. Patti Gallion
Please accept my sincere condolences. I am so sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
A friend and brother in Christ ✝️ Will be greatly missed at Abee’s Grove and by his pastor📖 Love to all his family and friends
Yoyo was such a precious friend. He was a blessing to talk with about anything. We enjoyed playing pool and going to tournaments with him and his wife .Prayers for all of the family. May God give you comfort. Love, Jimmy and Patsy (Rockingham,N.C.)
Rick was a great friend of mine and in the short time we knew each other we really got close. We played a lot of pool together winning several tournaments together. It seemed we had a bond like brothers. I talked with him several times a week and we shared a lot of things about life. He was truly a one of a kind friend. I’m sorry I won’t be able to make the trip for the funeral. I’ve been praying for the family throughout these hard times and will continue to. I just miss my friend!! Love you bud.
So very sorry about the passing of Ricky you are in our thoughts and prayers love and hugs