Roger, fondly known as “PaPaw” to his family, was born to Dorothy Mae Houston and Harley Cleo Hopper on September 3, 1948 in El Paso, Texas. He grew up as a military child and lived in Texas and Germany before settling in Columbus, Georgia for most of his school years. He was an active boy who loved to torture his three sisters. As the only boy of the family, he used to tell us all he was the favorite. We have heard many adventurous tales of his childhood, some of which we can’t repeat. As a child and adult, Roger enjoyed many sports: judo, track, swimming, snow skiing, kayaking, gymnastics, tennis. You name the sport and he probably tried it and excelled at it. He loved the outdoors, which was a passion of his for his entire life. He was a hunter, loved to study anything about the American Indians, loved camping, and basically would have moved to the mountains of Colorado if able. He attended Baker High School and graduated in the class of 1966. After high school he attended Columbus College, while he worked as a lifeguard with his lifelong friend Jerry. After his summers of fun, he embarked on a 30 year career with United Parcel Service and also served in the National Guard.
He was one of a kind. He knew everyone in town, could hold a conversation with anyone and talk endlessly about his passions of football and hunting. He was at Chick-Fil-A on Bradley Park Drive every morning enjoying his breakfast. He loved his family, Alabama football, his dogs, and the peace of the woods and nature. Some of our best family memories include camping and rafting in North Carolina, snow skiing in Colorado, and watching him with his four grandchildren. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and role model who was loved by all. He will be greatly missed.
Roger is survived by his two daughters, Natalie Christine (Brian) Porter and Lisa Susan (Brian) O’Connor; and his four grandchildren, Ashley Christine Porter, Ella Elizabeth Porter, Sara Catherine O’Connor and Brendan Charles O’Connor.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Edgewood Baptist Church, 3564 Forrest Road, Columbus, GA 31907 on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 2:00PM. Pastor Andy Johnston officiating service. Family will visit with friends an hour prior at church. Per Roger’s request, he will be privately buried at Park Hill Cemetery, Columbus, Georgia near his mother and father. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Roger’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alzfdn.org or call 866-232-8484.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Hopper family.
