Michael “Mike” Allen Roper

Following an extended illness, Michael Allen Roper, 67, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by loving family, on Friday, December 1, 2017. 

Mike was born on September 4, 1950, in Lake City, Florida. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1968 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida in 1972, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He attained his CPA license shortly thereafter in 1973 and was a member of the Florida Institute of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. Additionally, he was the president of the Tallahassee Chapter of the FICPA from 1992-1993. Mike worked in various finance roles, including taking on ownership of his own CPA practices in Lake City and in Madison, before moving to Tallahassee in 1982; there, he acted as CFO for three financial institutions. Possessing a strong entrepreneurial spirit since childhood, Mike partnered with his longtime friend Carl Allison in 2000 and acted as co-owner and managing partner of Willowbrook Assisted Living Facility. His retirement followed over a decade later when Willowbrook was sold in 2013. 

Mike was an avid fisherman from the time he was old enough to hold a fishing pole. He was also a gifted craftsman, especially adept at woodworking, and capable of building and fixing almost anything. He was an outstanding bridge player, and spent many hours throughout his life playing cards with a special group of friends he had known since childhood. Never one to shy away from adopting a hobby, Mike rediscovered his love for riding motorcycles in his later years; a passion he shared with his son, Will. 

One of Mike’s more rewarding hobbies involved giving back to the community. As a member of St. James Episcopal church, Mike served on the vestry, acted as church treasurer, and was a member of the Holy Smokers, a group dedicated to preparing delicious barbecue for special events. On a global scale, Mike served with Porch de Salomon, a Christian mission organization, and made six trips to Panajachel, Guatemala, where he helped build homes in the Mayan villages surrounding Lake Atitlan. 

Mike cherished every opportunity he had to spend time with his family and countless friends. As anyone who knew him could attest, Mike never met a stranger. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend, he considered integrity paramount and taught his family that your word was your bond.

Predeceased by his mother, Betty Jean Harrill Roper, and his father, Elmar Allen Roper, Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Patricia (Patti) Hanna Roper; his son Michael Jason Roper and daughter-in-law Jayme; his daughter Caroline Roper Tindale and son-in-law Glenn; his son Matthew Allen Roper and daughter-in-law Asia; his son William James Roper and daughter-in-law Brittany; and his sister, Kathy Roper Yanda. He is additionally survived by his dear grandchildren, Allie-Blay Roper, Luke Jackson Tindale, Meghan Jacquelyn Roper, and Lindsay Caroline Tindale; his nieces, Jennifer Whitaker Lance, Sarah Katherine Hafner Snyder, Elizabeth Hanna-Owens; and his nephew, Joseph Patrick Hafner. 

The visitation for Michael Allen Roper will be held on Wednesday, December 6 from 5:00PM - 7:00PM at the Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home at 3596 South Highway 441 in Lake City, Florida 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 7 at 2:00PM at St. James Episcopal Church at 2423 SW Bascom Norris Drive in Lake City, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the St. James Episcopal Capital Campaign or to Porch de Salomon (www.porchdesalomon.org). 

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