Steven Troy Roper

Admired for his keen intellect and professional versatility, and known for his sense of humor, his enduring loyalty to his friends, and his lifelong love of games, Troy is survived by his wife, Cheryl Renee Bates; his mother, Sheryl Sikes Roper and her husband, John Fishwick; his daughter, Lauren Trout and her husband, Joshua Trout; his son, Christian Roper; and the mother of his children, Cherie Roper. He is also survived by his brother, Bret Roper and wife, Galina; his niece, Marla Roper; his sister, Karen Roper, her husband, Michael Strysick, and nieces, Claire and Chloe; and his second-cousins, Johanna Sumner, Herbert Roper, and Hardy Roper.

Troy was a fifth-generation Houstonian and a proud descendant of the Ropers and Bammels, who migrated to the Houston area from Germany in the mid-1800s. He grew up in the Memorial area of Houston and graduated from Memorial High School. Following the family tradition of academic excellence, Troy earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University (Class of 1984), followed by a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law in 1986. He later earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix in 2003.

Troy’s professional life was a testament to his diverse talents and sharp mind. He began his career as an attorney specializing in corporate and commercial law before transitioning into the industrial sector to carry on the family legacy. For several years, he served as President and Vice President of Roper Machinery, Inc., where he was recognized as a Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE) and successfully negotiated complex contracts for the U.S. Military. Later in his career, Troy applied his leadership to the human resources and recreation industries, earning professional accolades, including the “President’s Club” and “Elite” honors at Leslie’s Poolmart.

Troy resided in the Houston area and remained deeply connected to the heritage of his family and the lifelong friendships he built there before moving to Tennessee in 2015. On his several acres of land, he enjoyed his time with Cheryl and their dogs, gardening, and substitute teaching in Cheryl’s district.

On Friday, January 16, family and friends will gather at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Boulevard, and proceed to Magnolia Cemetery on the corner of Montrose and Allen Parkway for graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Troy’s name to the American Diabetes Association.