Joe Wayne Roper

Joe Wayne Roper, 81, of Smyer, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 18, 2021. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, November 22, 2021, at the Meadow Cemetery with Rev. Chris Seaton officiating. Viewing will be held on Sunday, November 21, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Brownfield Funeral Home. The family will be available to receive guests from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.brownfieldfuneralhome.com. Joe was born on July 29, 1940 to Calvin Eugene and Melba Sammie (Thompson) Roper in Lubbock, TX. He grew up in New Home and graduated from New Home High School. He attended McMurry University, then transferred to Texas Tech and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. In his early 20’s, he met the first love of his life, Judith Helene Bramlet at a dance in Slaton. They were married in Clovis, NM and settled in Seminole where they raised their three children. Joe and Judith had 30 years together before she passed away in 1993. Joe was also blessed with a second love of his life, Kathy Taylor, and they had over 25 years together. Joe loved everyone! He was kind, generous, and very funny! His grandchildren knew him as “Granddaddy” and say he taught them that family comes first - but that family isn’t just limited to blood, but who you choose to love unconditionally. He showed his love through actions and accepted everyone with arms wide open! Joe started out as a farmer in Seminole until 1980 and then worked in the oil industry for two decades. In 2000, he began working for the Texas Tech University Range and Wildlife Department until his retirement. His hobbies included woodworking and a love of photography. He also had a small farming patch in New Home that he liked to tinker with. Mostly, though, Joe was known for his exceptional dancing skill. He and Kathy would visit the dance hall multiple times a week and their fluidity and grace on the dance floor was a joy to see! Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Judith; one sister, Bobbie June “Junie” Kreger; and two brothers-in-law, Glen Kreger and Bob Pritchett. He is survived by his three children, son, Jeffery Roper (Melissa) of Lubbock and daughters, Jennifer Bryan (Chris) of Kress and Judi Jo Roper Palmer of Burkburnett; beloved companion, Kathy Taylor; two sisters, Katherine Ann Higgins (Carlos) and Martha Pritchett; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews as well as Kathy’s extended family.