George Johnson Roop, 87, of Critz, died on Saturday, January 7, 2017, at Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County.
He was born August 12, 1929 in Crewe, and was a son of the late Archie C. Roop and Minnie Stultz Roop. He was also preceded in death by a son; Lynn B. Roop, four brothers; Howard D. Roop, Jake E. Roop, Lawrence E Roop, and Archie C Roop, and three sisters; Mary Ann Roop Gautier and Betty Lou Roop Williams and Nellie R. Robertson.
He graduated from Crewe High School and worked for Norfolk and Southern Railroad until he was called into service in October 1950. He rose to a position of data processing senior petty officer serving at Pearl Harbour, Hi., Norfolk Bureau of Naval Personnel in Arlington, and Flag Administrative Unit at Norfolk Naval Air Station in Arlington until he retired from the United States Navy in September 1969. He received The Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and The Secretary of the Navy Commendation for Achievement. He was a member of the American Legion and the Fleet Reserve Association. After moving to Critz in 1969 he farmed for 30 years and drove a school bus for 26 years. He attended County Line Church of God of Prophecy in Patrick County. He gave property for the Hill Top Independent Baptist Church in Critz and attended there many years, serving on the board of deacons, treasurer and Sunday school superintendent. He was instrumental in that church becoming The Critz Church of God in 1984 where he served as trustee, clerk/treasurer, a member of the pastors council and director of the food bank. He is survived by his wife Dana “Polly” Gilley Roop of the home, one son; Derrick B Roop of Critz, one daughter; Linda Roop Handy of Critz, three sisters; Elizabeth R. Turner of Victoria, Christine R. Moore of Crewe, and Geneve R. Silverman of Dundas. The funeral was held on Tuesday at Norris Funeral Services in Stuart with the Reverend Jimmy Wood officiating. Burial was in Critz Baptist Church cemetery with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans’ Memorial Honor Guard. Arrangements were by Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory of Stuart. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.NorrisFuneral.com.
