Name: Memorial service for Paul Hamilton Roper
Start: 2024-12-23T16:30:00.000Z
Location: Belmont University’s The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

Paul Hamilton Roper

July 2, 1979 - December 17, 2024

Paul Hamilton Roper, 45, died on December 17, 2024 at his home in Nashville, TN, following a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Janna Sallade Roper, and their four children Jack, Hank, Cate, and Jane; his parents, Hartwell and Genie Roper of Richmond, VA; and his siblings, Hart (Colleen) Roper of Nashville, TN, and Ann (Byers) Bowen of Norfolk, VA. His many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends will miss him dearly.

Paul was born and raised in Richmond, VA. He was a 1998 graduate of The Collegiate School and received a degree in history in 2002 from Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, TN. Paul was a talented and avid athlete. He competed at both the high school and collegiate levels in soccer, playing goalie. As an adult, Paul hosted legendary basketball games on a half-court slab he built in his backyard, fostering meaningful fellowship through friendly competition.

Paul loved music and turned his passion into a career. From his high school days as guitarist and lead singer of the band Number 22, to President and Partner of Dualtone Music Group in Nashville, Paul championed artists and their songwriting. Paul played an integral role in the signing and release of over 200 albums from Dualtone artists during his career, garnering Americana Music Association and Grammy award wins.

Throughout his 11-year journey with cancer, Paul shared honest and often humorous reflections on suffering and his Christian faith. He sought joy in and cherished life's normal moments: games of monopoly, coaching his kids' sports teams, taking out the trash, watching his girls play. He rejoiced in all things and trusted the Lord through his suffering, writing "Hope remains. The hope in Christ and in the restoration of everything. The redemption of every weed and thorn. The embrace of your Savior." By his side, in sickness and in health, was his bride of 17 years, Janna, whom he treasured. Forever his slab queen, Janna tenderly loved and cared for Paul and their four beautiful children with a supernatural strength and unwavering faith.

Paul fiercely loved his family and his friends. He loved the beach and a good book; a meaningful conversation over hot coffee or cold beer. He could famously nap anywhere and now rests in the arms of his Savior. Paul was a member of Midtown 12th South Church in Nashville.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Belmont University's The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to Corner to Corner: P.O. Box 60646, Nashville, TN 37206 or cornertocorner.org.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Dec. 22, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Roper

Sponsored by West Harpeth Funeral Home & Crematory - Nashville.

7 Entries

Piotrek + family

Planted Trees

Angie Makris McCulloch

December 30, 2024

Dear entire Roper Family,
For those who don't know us, we are front neighbors at VA beach. On Behalf of my family, I am sending our sincerest condolences. We are so sorry for your tremendous loss. May Paul rest peacefully and may his memory be eternal.

Bill & Debbie Jones

December 26, 2024

Hate & Genie, Our hearts thoughts & prayers of comfort to each of you & your family.

David Dew

December 24, 2024

What a dear friend Paul was to me. Many soccer games and sleepovers. May god be with his family during these difficult times. Score a hat-trick for me brother!!

Gerri Gross

December 22, 2024

My dear Paul, as your mother´s nearly lifelong friend, I knew you through your Mom´s love; and admired you from a distance. Your enormous courage and love of family and life were something to behold. The light in you shined across the miles into everyone whoever had the good fortune to spend even a small amount of time with you . My most special memory was seeing you and Janna with your Mom and Dad during that youthful Christmas as the two of you were planning your lives together. I brought as a little present my album collection. I will never forget your words, "Oh WOW...Vinyl". I had managed to gift the exactly right thing. Rest well now, darling boy, knowing you were beloved by all the people you touched; and may you hear music for eternity...

Holly Gleason

December 22, 2024

Even more than the difference you made for so many artists, from June Carter, who won her first Grammy, to the Lumineers, who turned into a stadium-sized supernova, you were a torch for your faith. That light has led more through some of my own darkness, and reminded me how powerful joy in those spaces most people would surrender can be.
A wonderful father, husband, friend, son, sibling, team member/leader/mate and creative spirit, you loved deeply and made every second shine. Thank you for sharing so many pieces of the journey -- and making us better humans in those words.
Much love, grace, comfort and strength to your family. I can't imagine the grief from losing someone as special as Paul.

John Hale

December 22, 2024

My son-in-law, Daniel, worked closely with Paul at Dualtone. A few years ago, when Paul was going through a particularly tough stretch with his battle, Daniel knew that our church in San Antonio had a prayer ministry and asked us to put Paul´s story there so that we could be praying for him. Although I never got to meet Paul in person, over time I felt that I did get to know him and grew to love and respect him as a friend and a Christian brother. As I read his journal writings and prayed for him and his family over these past few years, I was amazed at his strength and courage - often wondering how I would be feeling and reacting in his situation. His honesty, humor, and vulnerability always shined. But what I was most inspired by was his faith. He knew what he believed and why he believed it. It had maturity, depth, and weight to it. It was the type of faith that can support you through the highest highs and the lowest lows this life can offer. It is the type of faith I want. He inspired me, and I thank Daniel for introducing his dear friend to me. And I know that Paul and I will get to meet some day and that puts a smile on my face.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results