Oliver Wendell Roper, Jr was born on January 14, 1941, in Charleston,, SC, to his parents, the late Oliver Wendell Roper and Elizabeth Blake Roper. He entered into eternal rest on March 1, 2026.

Oliver attended public school in Charleston, SC, and graduated from W. Gresham Meggett High School. In 1962, Oliver joined the United States Army and retired as a Staff Sergeant after completing 21 years of active-duty military service.

Oliver met the love of his life, the late Esther Easterling Roper, at Ft. Bragg, NC, and in 1965, the two were united in marriage. With God’s blessings, they enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Oliver and Esther enjoyed traveling and raising their sons together while he served in the United States Army.

In 1980, Oliver joined Emmanuel Baptist Church of James Island, SC, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Alex White. He remained a member there until he moved to Ridgeville, SC, in 2022. At that time, he joined Canaan United Methodist Church, where he remained a faithful member until his passing.

Oliver enjoyed baking cakes with his wife, Esther. His creative mind and steady hands produced beautifully decorative designs. The Ropers’ cakes were highly sought after, known for both their exquisite taste and unique beauty. Oliver also had an extraordinary talent as a chef; he demonstrated to his family that fine dining is possible even in the comfort of one’s home. In addition to his love of cooking and baking, Oliver was a skilled carpenter. He was always willing to build anything his family, friends, or church needed. Whether it was cabinets, podiums, lecterns, tithing boxes, or trash cans made of real wood, Oliver used his gifts and talents freely to the glory of Almighty God.

Oliver leaves behind many to cherish his memory: his four beloved sons, Reginald Roper (Stacia), Oliver L. Roper (Janelle), Tracy L. Roper (Susie), and Mark D. Roper (Paige); 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Theola Smalls and Brenda Blake; and a host of relatives and friends. Oliver was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Esther; his brothers, Remus Harold Blake, Adolphe Hardy Roper, Joel Roper, and Christopher Nathanial Roper; and his sisters, Barbara Jean Beasley and Lathonia Roper Lucas.

Oliver will always be remembered for his impressionable smile, kind heart, and unique gifts, which he used to benefit others. On occasion, when he was asked if he was having a good day, he would respond, “All my days are good.” Like all of us, Oliver faced trials and difficulties, but he recognized God’s goodness and mercy throughout his life. His declaration resembles that of King David in Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” In his own quiet, yet gentle way, Oliver will also be remembered for helping others acknowledge God’s eternal goodness and faithfulness in every situation.