Edward Young Roper, Sr., 85, of Columbia, died peacefully at home April 20, 2010. Born in Chester, SC, he was the son of Willa Young and J.C. Roper II, and raised in Lake City, SC. Surviving are his wife Mary Lee Flowers Roper of 62 years, two daughters, Rev. Lee Roper of Chesnee, Mary Willa Roper Lowry and husband, Banks, and one son, Edward Y. Roper Jr. and his wife, Karen, of Columbia; four grandchildren, Will and Mary Frances Roper, Mary Agnes Roper-Rogers and Eliza Lowry; stepgrandchildren, Beau Lowry and his wife, Erin, and their daughter, Emma, Paige Lowry Leonard and husband, Doug; and a valued friend loved as a son, Keitt Wannamaker. Predeceased by his parents, and brother, J C Roper III, he graduated from Lake City High School, attended The Citadel for two years, and joined the Army in August of 1943, serving with the 106th infantry division. He was captured by the Germans at the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944 and held as a prisoner of war at a slave labor camp until he was liberated in April of 1945 when the war ended. After the war, he attended the University of South Carolina and graduated from the School of Pharmacy in 1948. Most of his career was spent in Lake City as owner of Roper Drug Company, later moving to Columbia in 1977, working as a pharmacist for Forest Hills Nursing Home. He was a lifetime United Methodist and first was a member of Lake City UMC for over 40 years and then Trenholm Road UMC in Columbia for over 30 years as a faithful choir member while also serving in many other capacities. In addition to church, he also was a member of the Lions Club in Lake City and Kiwanis Club in Columbia. Visitation will be at the home at 3135 Grace Hill Road in Columbia 5-8 p.m. on Thursday April 22nd. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 23rd, at Trenholm Road UMC at 4:00 followed by visitation at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank, The Daily Bread Memorial Fund, PO Box 451, Columbia, SC 29202 or a charity of one’s choice. Brockington Funeral Home of Lake City is in charge. Tags: 1945
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