Paul Hamilton Roper, 45, died on December 17, 2024, at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, 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, Tennessee. 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, 2024, at 10:30am 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
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