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.
Thank you for your friendship. I always enjoyed our long conversations. I will always be thankful of the beautiful extensions you made for my pool cues. I am gonna miss you buddy. Prayers for your family. Rest easy my friend and God speed. Your friend, Lewis Croom
Darlene I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I’ve known you and Rick for many years and you both are the sweetest people. You and your family are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Love you friend. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
So sorry for your loss. Rick was unique and so engaging. He loved to share his skill and knowledge. Loved to watch him clear a table of balls. Soon we will stroll over heaven together. Oh precious memories that we have. May God hold you all close and lead you and guide your steps. Charles
Praying for peace and God to comfort all. Rick will be missed.
Prayers for the family. Wonderful man great friend. Worked with Rick at the High Rise
Prayers and thoughts are with your loving family during this difficult time.
Rick you will be dearly missed. A loving husband to Darlene.., caring dad to Steve and precious pawpaw to Abigail and Steven. A great neighbor and friend to our family. Prayers for all the family.
Fly high my friend. RIP until we meet again.
Darlene, I am so very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. My prayers and condolences go to you and your family.