Colonel Lee Roy Roper

Colonel Lee Roy Roper, Hill Country’s most notable pioneer of our time, passed away on February 10th, surrounded by his loving wife of 30 years, Lisa Roper, his children, and close family members, along with his faithful dog, Boots. He was 97 years old.

Born on November 10, 1928, in Franklin, North Carolina, to Claude Roper and Marie Gibson Roper, Lee Roy grew up in the Smoky Mountains during the height of the Great Depression.

“Things were pretty tough,” he often recalled. “Back in those mountains, in those days, things were pretty rough there. Even before the Depression. But somehow, we did okay.”

That early resilience would define the course of his life.

He graduated from Franklin High School and went on to North Carolina State University in Raleigh, completing the Army ROTC program and earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1949. When the Korean War began, he entered active duty in 1950 and served from 1951 to 1953.

Following Korea, Colonel Roper attended the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, later serving at Fort Bliss, Texas. He completed advanced courses at both Fort Sill and Fort Bliss before assignment to the Third Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Georgia. He deployed with the division to Europe, serving three years abroad before returning to attend the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

From there, he was assigned to the Pentagon, serving nearly five years on the Army General Staff. He later deployed to Vietnam, where he commanded the 1st Battalion, 40th Field Artillery, operating alongside the famed “Triple Nickle” (5th Battalion, 4th Marines) under the Third Marine Division. Colonel Roper held deep respect for the 555, whose discipline and fighting spirit he admired greatly. His Vietnam service earned him the Gallantry Cross Medal with Gold Star for valor and the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding service.

After returning from Vietnam, he completed his service at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, retiring in 1973 with the rank of Colonel — concluding a distinguished 24-year military career marked by strategic leadership, battlefield command, and unwavering dedication to the soldiers under his command.

Retirement did not slow him.

He moved to El Paso, Texas, and expanded his involvement in real estate before purchasing the 3,400-acre Rancho Del Lago at Canyon Lake in 1980. For a time, he split his weeks between El Paso and Canyon Lake. Eight years later, he built a permanent home at Canyon Lake, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

The old ranch headquarters became the corporate headquarters of Rinco of Texas, Inc., the company he founded, and through which he developed numerous communities across the Texas Hill Country.

Colonel Roper often summarized his visionary philosophy this way:

“I have a theory we go by, or a saying, and that is that everything you do needs to be enjoyable and profitable. If it isn’t both, it needs to be a whole lot of one or the other.”

That thoughtful mindset shaped every venture he pursued and is why Col Roper will be remembered as one of Hill Country’s most legendary community builders of all time.

Along with his partner, Ronald G. Newman (a.k.a. JR Newman), his proudest developments was Rockin’ J Ranch, a gated community south of Blanco featuring approximately 1,800 home sites and the acclaimed Vaaler Creek Golf Club. The first nine holes opened in July 2007; the full 18 holes were completed in July 2009. In 2011, the course was ranked No. 19 in the nation among best new courses by Golfweek.

The course was named in honor of his close friend and fellow Army veteran, Jack Vaaler, who had long encouraged him to build a golf course. When Jack became gravely ill, believed to be Agent Orange exposure, Colonel Roper made a promise:

“Okay, Jack, I’m going to build one golf course and name it for you and I’ll do you proud.” And that he did — building an award-winning Hill Country golf course.

Additional developments included:

• Northwood Luxury Apartments in New Braunfels

• Stallion Estates near Highway 306

• Cielo Springs near FM 32 and the Blanco River

• Legends of Rancho Del Lago, where streets were named for heroes of the Alamo

• A gated community named in honor of his agricultural mentor, E.J. Whitmire

• Portions of Rust Ranch in Blanco County

He was especially proud of founding the Canyon Lake Water Company — now Texas Water Company — which today serves approximately 65,000 homes. His foresight in securing water rights and dependable infrastructure ensured that growth in the Hill Country would be sustainable and supported by strong resources for the growing community.

“Texas Hill Country is some of the most sought-after property in the United States,” he often said. “Forty-five minutes from Austin or San Antonio — and light years away in tranquility. It’s important that we do it RIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE who want a little slice of Hill Country heaven.”

Beyond business, Colonel Roper was deeply committed to giving back. He established scholarships, quietly assisted families in need, and believed prosperity should lift others alongside it. He took pride in various philanthropy projects with his wife Lisa Roper, for nearly three decades in the Comal, Blanco and Bexar County areas.

Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor to those closest to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Marie Roper; his son, Master Sergeant Steven Lee Roper; and his grandson, Jonathan Roper.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Lisa Roper; his daughter, Judy Hockenbrough and her husband Ken; his son, Tim Roper and his wife Lisa Effress; and his grandchildren: Timothy P. Roper and his wife Erin; Heather Porlier and her husband Stephen; Andrew Roper; Grant Hockenbrough; Benjamin Roper; Elizabeth Roper; and Eva Roper. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Paisley Porlier, Jake Porlier, and Olivia Porlier.

Through his marriage to Lisa, he is also survived by brothers-in-law, Christian Allmon, Aaron D. Allmon II and his wife Trisha Allmon; sister-in-law, Samantha Richardson and her husband Chuck Richardson; and his cherished nieces and nephews: Christian II, Nickolas and Peter Allmon, Aaron Allmon III, Mackenzi (Allmon) Anderson and husband Jordon Anderson, Rand Allmon, Jack Allmon, Seth Richardson, Isabella Richardson, and Gavin Richardson.

Last, but certainly not least, for more than 15 years, his cherished travel companion, “Spodie Odie,” journeyed faithfully at his side and was loved by everyone who met him. After Spodie Odie’s passing, Boots stepped into that special place—continuing the tradition of loyalty and companionship that meant so much to the Colonel.

Colonel Roper will be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, with full military honors befitting his rank and faithful service to our nation. He will rest among fellow servicemen and women, and beside his beloved son, Steven — a solemn reunion of two generations who answered their nation’s call.

Details regarding his interment and Celebration of Life will be shared with family and friends once arrangements are finalized.

From the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina to the battlefields of Korea and Vietnam, from the Pentagon to Rancho Del Lago, Colonel Lee Roy Roper lived by discipline, vision, courage, and faith. His watch is complete. His duty fulfilled.

But the land he shaped, the communities he built, the soldiers he led, and the family he loved stand as enduring testimony to a life well lived.

Rest in honored peace, Colonel Roper.

Colonel Lee R. Roper understood the two most important things on earth.

Life and Land.

Without stewardship of the land, there could be no life.

Without protection of the land, there would be no Country.

He served and defended this great land, for 24 years.

Then, cultivated the land to serve his community.

Bringing water and land ownership where there was little,

and seeding a great life, for many.

We will remember him as a pioneer and profound leader.

His words and deeds will not fall on stony ground.

But will be revered and loved.

Forever.

“We love you, Colonel. Your memory will live on through us — I promise. For more than 30 years, you were not only my husband, but my closest friend, my trusted business partner, and the steady leader of our family. I respect how you led in uniform and in life with pride, integrity, and thoughtfulness that shaped everyone around you — especially me. You believed in people before they believed in themselves. You protected what mattered — our family, our land, our water, and the future of this great state. I learned strength from your leadership, confidence from your example, and grace from the way you carried yourself through every challenge. When you looked at me, I felt cherished. When you stood beside me, I felt proud. Your legacy is not only in the projects you built or the lives you led in combat — it is in the character you modeled and the love you gave so freely. I will carry that forward for the rest of my life.”

— Lisa Roper, your loving wife of 30 years

“For 18 years and more than 1,300 flights, I had the privilege of sitting beside Colonel Roper in the cockpit and in life. He led in the air the same way he led in combat — steady, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the people around him. Whether visiting his mother in North Carolina, dancing with Lisa on a warm Caribbean evening, or reuniting with the men of the 1st Battalion, 40th Field Artillery who credited him with saving their lives, his presence commanded respect and inspired loyalty. He treated me not as an employee, but as family. Flying for him was an honor — knowing him was a blessing.”

— Louie Durrett, friend and personal pilot of 25 years

“It was a pleasure as County Judge to work with Colonel Roper in his various developments. Even though it was his livelihood, he always had the best interests of the county at heart.”

— Danny Scheel, former County Judge and friend of 25 years

“I remember his words during the Vietnam War: ‘If everyone on the American side had inflicted as much damage on the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong as the 1st Battalion, 40th Field Artillery — which I had the honor to command — firing over 700,000 rounds, we would have won the war.’ Colonel Roper was a soldier’s soldier — a true master leader and a master of his craft. He was courageous, fearless, innovative, and unwavering in his commitment to his men and to his country. I am deeply saddened by his passing. He will not be forgotten.”

— Luis Lopez, LTC (Ret.), lifelong friend

“Colonel, for the past 30 years you were more than a brother-in-law — you were like a father to me. When my dad passed away more than 20 years ago, you stepped into that role without hesitation. As I entered the military and continued our family’s legacy of service, you mentored me, challenged me, and guided me on what it meant to be an honorable man with an honorable career. You encouraged me to stay the course and make it a career — and I did. When I retired after 21 years as an award-winning Combat Photographer, I will never forget how proud you were. Though my heart breaks that you are gone, your influence shapes the man I am today — a retired veteran, husband, father, brother and friend. I am a better man because of you, and I will honor you by living with gratitude and continuing to serve my community.”

— Aaron D Allmon II, USAF (Ret.), Combat Photographer and brother-in-law of 30 yrs.

“In the 13 years I was blessed to know you, you consistently demonstrated unwavering love for Lisa and a deep devotion to your family, your friends, and your community. Some of my most cherished memories are the simple, beautiful moments we shared — pool parties filled with laughter, holiday gatherings around the table, birthday celebrations where you made everyone feel special. You loved having your family close, and you truly loved celebrating life. I will always remember your relentless pursuit of excellence and the American Dream — the way you made what seemed impossible become possible. Watching your determination, vision, and discipline inspired me more than you probably ever knew. Your optimism and steady leadership shaped so many lives — including mine. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and loving us so well. We love you so, so much — just the way you always said it. We will honor your spirit, your legacy, and your memory always. And I will never forget these words: “How can I help? What do you need me to do?” Rest in peace, Colonel.”

—Trisha Allmon, sister-in-law of 10 years

“Colonel Roper had a rare gift — he saw the potential in people, often before they saw it in themselves, and he challenged them to rise to it. He wasn’t just my boss; he was a mentor and a steady source of wisdom and encouragement. I will deeply miss his guidance, his confidence in me, and the thoughtful words he always seemed to know I needed to hear.”

— Suzanne Zamora, friend of 25 yrs and former employee

“Colonel Roper was the kind of man you immediately respected — a true military leader whose handshake was as solid as his word. After retiring, he carried the same discipline and integrity into business, always thinking ahead about protecting our land and water for future generations. But behind that strength was a softer side — a quiet love for animals, deep loyalty to his friends, and an unmistakable devotion to his beloved Lisa. When he looked at her, you saw a love that was rare and beautiful. If he believed in you, you had the support of one of the finest men in Texas. I will miss his hugs and hearing him say, ‘Proud of you, lady.’ God truly blessed Texas with Colonel Roper — and we are better because of him.”

— Yvonne Day, friend of 25 yrs