We took the Lakeshore exit yesterday near Art’s house and I was overcome with a wave of sadness when I thought of Art. Woke up this morning to see an email reminder that today is his Remembrance Day.  Out in the sunshine now, thinking of him and smiling. Miss you, Art.

Dear Roper Family,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers since Sophie called me Saturday about dear Art.  I have been in shock and so sad about his unexpected passing.  Art was such a sweet and kind soul and would do anything for anybody.  Art was not only an extremely talented graphics artist but also an inventor and very tech savvy.  He could do anything …always saying “no problem “ with a smile.  Amazing was the giant birthday cake he built for an employee celebration and another, the images he projected behind windows In the dining room for another event.  Art’s passing is a huge loss to all his friends at Blue Cross.  He was the most versatile, hard working  and talented designer Blue Cross has ever had.  Art was also a role model for all of us.  Again you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers for a long time.  We at Blue Cross loved  and thought the world of Art Roper, an amazing man who will be missed by so many.  
With deepest sympathy and sending my love,
Koko Mackin
P.S. I am so sorry that I could not attend Art’s service due to being out of town.  I wanted so badly to be there to express my condolences in person.


It's taken me a couple of days to process what has happened.  In my long life, I don't think I've ever known anyone else who was like Art.  We worked together at Strong Automotive Merchandising in the late 1980s and early 1990s and became friends pretty quickly.  I can remember some late nights at work, when I would make a run to McDonald's for dinner.  I would ask Art if he wanted anything, and he did, but he didn't think I would want to get it.  He liked hamburgers, only he just liked the meat and bun.  No condiments.  But I would get them for him.  We stayed in touch over the years after I left Birmingham and moved back to Tennessee.  When my water was shut off for a year and a half because I had a major leak that gave me a $1900 bill, who came to the rescue when he found out?  It was Art.  He set up a GoFundMe campaign and raised the money to get my running water back on.  Later, he came through again when my sister died.  He raised the money to pay for her cremation without question.  I owe Art a lot.  He was a special friend... one who I had lots of serious and not-so-serious conversations with over the years.  I will miss him.  I already do.  My prayers go to the Father for Vicki, Ashley, Adam and their families for comfort and peace of mind in these sad days.

My wife worked with Art at Blue Cross. She would often come home and tell me funny stories or “wisdom drops” he had shared with her that day.

One winter morning after Denise left for work, her sweet 11-year old dog escaped the fence, wandered onto a busy road and was hit almost immediately. I was shaken (and this was pre-kids, so I didn’t have a Dad Emergency Mode yet) and didn’t know what to do first. I called Denise. 

Art heard her crying on the phone with me and quickly found out what had happened. In less than 30 minutes, he was at our house and had gotten Charlie into a box.  

Art had on the crispest, whitest dress shirt and a pair of shiny leather loafers, but there he was with his sleeves rolled up, silently digging a hole under the hickory tree. When he was finished, Art left as swiftly as he had come. 

How on earth do you thank someone for that kind of help and compassion—given without hesitation, question or expectation? 

I probably saw Art only a couple more times after that, at work functions. But I know one thing about him: he lived and loved with his heart wide open. I imagine there are dozens of stories of Art’s “everyday” acts of kindness. Perhaps many we will never know.  He was truly a good and gentle man. 

Vicky,
Carries and mine along with our daughters Kelly and Erin’s, thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of your family during this time of deep sorrow. If you want to at the appropriate time please reach out to us for any additional family support that you may need.
Your cousin,
Robert Mullins 
281-630-3883

Dear Aunt Vicki, Ashley, and Adam,

Words cannot express my sadness at the loss of your dear husband and father. Uncle Art was a kind, loving, and compassionate man. My family and I are so blessed to have known him. He was devoted to his family and his community. One of my earliest memories was Uncle Art helping out with the neighborhood Easter egg hunt. He fostered such a spirit of warmth and welcome in Drexel Hills. He loved his neighbor as himself, and in today's fragmented world, he was, and continues to be, a light for us all.

You are all in our prayers. My family and I are here for you.

Anand

Art was such an amazing and talented man,  but first and foremost, he was a good friend. We worked together for over a decade, and he was there for me through some really trying times. But that’s just the kind of man Art was: kind and caring. He was also very, very funny, and one of the best natural storytellers I’ve ever met.

I do not know how many times I walked by his edit suite just to ask a quick question and then ended up getting sucked into an amazing story while his favorite classic rock hits played in the background. Those moments were nice moments, and I feel blessed to have just been able to listen. 

He was a wise man and a good man, and an example of the kind of guy we should all strive to be. 

He will be missed so much.



Art was more like a long distance brother to me instead of a cousin. Growing up in Michigan, I didn’t see him much as a kid which made me so excited when he and Vicki decided to make Homewood their home soon after they married.  But the best part was him teasing my dad (his favorite uncle) about becoming the first Roper in the phone book! My dad was A. D.   and loved holding that title.  Art kept telling him he was going to list his name as A. Roper and trump him.  Of course he never did, but I know Dad checked every time a new phone book was published!! 

I was stunned to learn of Art's passing.  I've always thought of him as my "little cousin".  Even though we have not seen each other in years because we live so far away and everyone is busy with their lives, it was good to know we could visit again one day (we really will anyway).   One of my favorite memories happened when he was about 5 and I was 13 staying at their house.  We were on the road out front and Artie challenged me to a race.  I can hear him saying, "I can run so fast!!".  So we raced up and down the road between mailboxes.  Of course his legs were about half the length of mine so I beat him but he wouldn't give up.  I was exhausted.  Little did I know he would later run the full length of the state!  I was impressed with his obit and all that he accomplished in life and being the father and grandfather he was.  God bless all the family.   Doug Roper

I first met Art at Strong Automotive in 1988-89. He was the heartbeat of the company sharing his creativity and forward thinking. Then we met again at Blue Cross, where Art was most definitely a shining star in the Communications and Graphics area. He was so kind, friendly, thoughtful and genuine. It was an honor and a privilege to have known and worked with him. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Vicki and family.  My sincere condolences, Anna Strong Hanks 

My heart is broken. Art Roper was a humble and kind man. I have had the honor of working with him for 22 years. We have had many conversations about God, the world, our families and just life. Art was such a positive person, always seeing the best in people. 
There is a hole in my heart....yet I rejoice in knowing that Art is with our Lord and Savior...I close my eyes and I see that big beautiful smile of his ... i know without a doubt.. he is just fine. Thank you Art for being my friend. I will see you again.


I am absolutely heartbroken. We’ll never know how many times I’ve said “I love Art” anytime his name came up, but it was more often than not. Art taught me a lot about mindset and positivity. He always saw the best in everyone and would do anything for anyone that needed help. When I would have written someone off, Art found the good. I have repeatedly been inspired by his ability to connect with people. So genuine and kind. I am better for knowing him and will never forget him by the hole left from his absence. 

Vicki, I’m so very sorry for your great loss of Art may God bring you and your wonderful loving family Peace Comfort and Understanding during this oh so trying time and always 🙏🏻 
Karen Phillips Beard/Class of 1973

I have so many fond memories of Art, beginning with the day I met him in the mid-90s. I am proud to have been his co-worker and friend 
 
Art was such a sweet man with never a bad word to say. Lord knows I complained to him about so many people and situations over the years, and I can still see him just looking down at the floor, hands in his pockets and shaking his head. He would always listen but never engage in gossip or bad talk about anyone. I learned a lot about patience and grace through that man’s example.
 
The world has lost such a selfless, loving person, and my heart aches for his family – they meant everything to him. It is so true that his face lit up when we talked about an art project he was tackling, but not like he beamed when he was talking about his wife, kids or grandkids. 

Art, my friend, you will always reign as Master of Lights, Animation and Styrofoam. There will be nobody else like you, ever. 

Dear Ashley, 
I am sending you and your family my most sincere condolences. Although I never met your father, I can feel his warmth and kind soul through the pictures and know you will continue to carry out his legacy in all that you do.  You must have given him such joy and pride. 
Shereen

Vicki, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are for peace and comfort during this most difficult time. 

Bonnie and Paige Bowling

I will miss Art so much……he was a wonderful friend and mentor.  He always had a kind word and an infectious smile. His creativity was boundless and he found a solution to every problem he encountered. I am better man for knowing Art. He was loved by everyone who knew him. I will treasure my time with him and I thank God for him in my life.

I’m so sorry for the loss of our SHS classmate and husband to our dear Vicki. I’m praying for all of you to have strength during this sad time.
Ruth Foote Brock, SHS ‘73

OBITUARIO

Artis Bert Roper

17 enero, 1955 – 20 octubre, 2022

Ridout's Valley Chapel

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios