Christopher Roper

Canton, Christopher Thomas Roper, 49, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021, at his home.

Chris was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Thomas and Geraldine Anglin Roper.  Chris was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bill and Viola Roper and his maternal grandparents, Levi and Ruth Anglin.  Chris had one passion in life that began at an early age, and that was wrestling.  As a child, Chris could be found cheering his favorite wrestlers, Killer Kowalski, Tito Santana, and the Wild Samoan.  His love for theatrics and strategy with the wrestling matches captured his attention.  This passion eventually led to Chris wrestling with High Velocity Wrestling (HVW) under the monikers Leroy Dudley and Serial Killer.  He wrestled all over the state of North Carolina, parts of South Carolina and Georgia, and even Japan.  Chris had a larger-than-life personality and an even bigger heart for his family and friends.  He also enjoyed spending time fishing with his family and coloring elaborate pictures with his love, Melinda.

In addition to his parents, Chris is survived by his beloved wife of five years, Melinda Ann Roper, of Canton; five daughters, Brittany Wallin, Christina Ivey, Traci Roper, Miranda Balderramo-Manzanilla, and Caitlyn Roper; two sons, Lucas and Jeremiah Roper; two sisters, Deirdre Krzyzanksi and Kelly Greene; two brothers, Scott and Wayne Nixon; and 12 beautiful grandchildren.

A funeral service for Chris will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville with Marty Nelson officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow the service at Bethel Community Cemetery.

The care of Mr. Roper has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com