Gerald Lawton Roper

Gerald Lawton Roper, 91, of Franklin, passed away on October 22, 2026. He was born in Macon County to the late T. C. Roper & Bethel Icenhower Roper Evans. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 44 years, Shelba Jean Burnette Roper and his second wife, Betsy-Gibson Roper who he was married to for 24 years. Betsy passed away just 13 days before Gerald on October 9, 2026. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Billy Mashburn.

Hard work was always a part of Gerald’s life, and he started at a young age. He was baptized at the age of 11, and he told his daughter how he worked to buy his own Bible. He had several different jobs before he went to work at the Nantahala Creamery which later became Biltmore Dairy. He worked there when milk was still delivered to homes, and up until his last illness he would still tell stories about the days of working his milk route. His next career was as a Franklin Police officer which took him to retirement age, but he was not one to sit idle. He then took on a part-time job with the Town of Franklin that included working Pickin” on the Square every Saturday night. He worked until covid came along, and he fully retired at age 85. He spent over 40 years working for the Town of Franklin, and over 20 years as a Franklin Volunteer Fireman. Once he retired, he and Betsy were known for their twice a day restaurant outing. For years they were seen at different restaurants around town, until they settled at their favorite spot, Ms. Lois’s. Before they set down at the table, their drinks were waiting, and the waitress knew what they’d be ordering.

He is survived by his daughter, Dinah Mashburn; grandchildren, Justin Setser (Kara) and Jenna Mashburn Sansone (Chris); great-grandchildren, Andi, Leighton, Braeden and River; brothers, Charles Roper (Sharon) and Thad Roper, stepchildren: Candi Worley (Anthony) and David Sanborn (Cindy) along with their children and grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Sunday, October 25 at South Macon Baptist Church from 2:00-3:30 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. The Reverend Albert Grey will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Devin Holland, Tim Chavis, Jackie Downs, Brian Burnette, Chris Sansone and Anthony Worley. Honorary pallbearers are the employees of Ms. Lois’s Restaurant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Franklin Fire Department at 49 Maple Street, Franklin, NC.

Kind words and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Roper family at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Roper family is being lovingly served by the caring and professional staff of Hunter Funeral Home.