Gene Lloyd Roop was most known for his love of his wife and children.  He always put his family first, as they meant the world to him.  He was born in Whitetop, Virginia in May 8,1938 to Roy Lee and Minerva Roop.

He met the love of his life, Virginia, In 1959 in Arlington, Virginia.  They met by chance; both were walking to a nearby store.  He said "she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.  From the moment he met her he affectionally called her "my pretty girl."  They were excited to start their lives together.  They were married July 29, 1960.  They bought their first home in Manassas, Virginia and remained there for 37 years.  Gene and Virginia couldn't wait to start a family of their own, and they went on to have four children: Nancy, Lloyd, Patsy and Penny.  He loved the great outdoors, and they spent many summers camping and fishing together.

Though he loved fishing, hunting, bluegrass music and gardening, his favorite role was being a grandpa.  He treasured his time with his grandchildren and loved being their grandpa.  After a visit with grandpa, they would always be excited because he would say "Here's some money to get ya some ice cream."  They loved him as much as he loved them.

Gene had a soft spot for his furry friends.  Although he had several pets throughout his life, "Troubles," the cat, red dog, and his birds were his best friends.

He had numerous friends in his life, and he made friends easily.  He would have picnics and fish frys and invite his family, friends, and neighbors over.

Gene was a hard worker.  In the early years of being married, he worked 3 jobs at once to support his family and never complained.  He loved trains and he loved working on them.  He was passionate about his role as air brakeman for Fruit Growers Express, working for the company for more than 30 years.  When the railroad closed its doors, he went on to work for NOVEC for 5 years.  He very happily returned to Whitetop, Virginia.  He loved Whitetop!  He began growing Christmas Trees until he was 75 years old.

He was a proud member of the Masons.  He became a Mason while living in Manassas and after his retirement, he moved his membership to the Mouth of Wilson lodge.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Lee Roy Roop, Stephen Roger Roop, and Otis "HiJoe" Kelly Roop.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia "my pretty girl"; his children, Nancy Garrett of Locust Grove, Lloyd T. Roop (Dawn) of Manassas, Virginia, Patsy Roop of Whitetop, Virginia, Penny Butler (Dale) of Manassas, Virginia; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren; brother, Clifford Roop of Whitetop, Virginia; sisters, Rita Stamper of Rugby, Virginia, Ocil Roop of Crumpler, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.

Gene will always be remembered for his kind heart, his loyalty to friends and family, and for the way he loved to tell a joke to make you smile.

We couldn't have asked for a better husband, father, grandpa, brother, or friend.  His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Whitetop Presbyterian Church with burial to follow in the Roop Cemetery with Masonic Rites.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Whitetop Missionary Baptist Church PO Box 24 Whitetop, VA 24292.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Roop family.