Gary A. Roper, 63, of Covington, died Feb. 9 at Newton Medical Center. A native of Ozark County, Ala., he graduated from high school in Cleveland and had been a Covington resident for 34 years. Most recently employed with Guardian Automotive Inc. and retired from Fibervision in 1995, Mr. Roper also operated his own machine fabrication company for 15 years before turning the business over to his sons. Mr. Roper enjoyed playing the guitar and banjo and being around his family. He was preceded in death by sister Teresa Roper Sewell.

Surviving are wife Patricia Roper; sons Paul Gary Roper and Erin Robert Roper, both of Covington; mother and step-father Alice and Roy Head of Villa Rica; father and step-mother Robert and Faye Roper of Cleveland; sisters and brothers-in-law Patricia and Tim Dockery of Cleveland, Beth and Leonard Eaves of Villa Rica; brothers and sisters-in-law Wayne and Sharon Roper of Gainesville, Edward and Tammy Roper of Cleveland, Michael and Sheila Head of Villa Rica; several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held Feb. 11 at Lawnwood Memorial Park with the Rev. Dickie Johnson officiating.