Mr. David Leopold Roper

Mr. David Leopold Roper passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.  Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606, with Prophetess Tiffany James, Officiating. 

David L. Roper lived a life shaped by curiosity, service, and deep cultural appreciation. His interests included music, history, language, political science, and art. He also valued learning about the world through both his work and personal connections.

David was born at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in Harlem, New York, and was partially raised in Charlestown, St. Mary, Jamaica, and the Bronx. These experiences formed his lifelong connection to both the Caribbean and the United States. He was a member of the second graduating class of Stevenson High School, where he was introduced to martial arts and traditional Asian swords and military artifacts.

At nineteen, David enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, he traveled throughout Europe, including France, Switzerland, Spain, and England. His later military and government assignments took him to Canada, Japan, Antigua, and other Caribbean islands. He took quiet pride in communicating with people in Spanish and German, often surprising those he met.

David devoted much of his professional life to law enforcement, military service, and federal intelligence. He began as a volunteer Special Officer with the New York City Police Department and later held several federal government positions. His employment with the New York Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was the highlight of his career. He found special meaning in his work supporting multiple federal agencies, retiring as a Transportation Security Inspector with TSA.

Throughout his life, David encouraged people of all ages to look beyond familiar paths and consider broader opportunities. Many were grateful for his guidance and mentorship. He loved jazz, bossa nova, and reggae, and was an avid concertgoer. Music was a constant presence in his life. He also supported HBCUs through donations, attendance, and proudly wearing their apparel.

David first met his wife, Avis, in 1978. Though his assignment to Germany separated them, their love was rekindled ten years later, and they were married on July 8, 1988. To this union were born two daughters, Simone and Andrea Roper.

Left to cherish David’s memory are his wife, Avis Roper; daughters, Simone and Andrea Roper; granddaughter, Avarie Genao; and sister, Joan Roper-Adams (Gerald). He shared a special bond with his nieces, Candace and Jasmine Adams, who were like daughters to him and affectionately called him “Padre.” David also shared a special bond with his great nephews James and Jonathan, loving them as if they were his own grandsons. David’s Beloved Tribe of cousins, nephews, nieces, life-long friends and pretend family will always carry a special torch in their hearts for him.

David showed his love as a husband, father, and grandfather through his everyday actions. His devotion to family and his commitment to living with faith and purpose will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him throughout his 70 years of life.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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