Tuesday, December 22, 2020 11:38 am

Gene Roper, Sr., age 78, of Union Mills, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020.

Gene was born August 1, 1942 in Rutherford County to the late Joseph Howard Roper and Janie Barrett Roper.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Melvin Roper.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Crystal Roper Burgess (Brian) of Forest City; son, Robert Gene Roper, Jr. (Melissa) of Bostic; two brothers, Charles Roper (Carol) of Rutherfordton and Mike Johnson (Christy) of Forest City and a sister, Carol Jones of Forest City. He is also survived by six grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was conducted at the First Wesleyan Church in Forest City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the First Wesleyan Church, 700 S. Church Street, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.