Ricky Howard "Yoyo" Roper

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.