Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Monday April 28, 2025, at Edgewood Baptist Church with Rick Roper officiating. Interment with Military Honors to follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery at 1:30 pm according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA. A visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service. Pallbearers will be, Jacob Roper, Paul Roper, Matthew Barton, Tillman Roper, Lawson Roper, and Job Roper. Honorary Pallbearers will be Sawyer Roper and Charlie Roper.
Gene was born in Gainesville, GA on June 14, 1930, to the late Devrix Roper and Mary Lou Smith Roper. He was a resident of Columbus and a member of Edgewood Baptist Church. Gene retired from the U.S. Army where he served his country for 28 years. He served in the Korean War where he received a Purple Heart in 1953. He also served in the Vietnam.
He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years Eva B. Roper whom he married on December 25, 1951, a son Rick Roper (Patricia) of Seale, AL, a daughter, Rebecca Joan Barton of Columbus, GA, 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.