Tom Roop

The long shadow cast by a giant of a man is now awash in heavenly light…On earth he will live for lifetimes in the memories of men…in heaven he will live for all eternity in the company of God…Known for both his breadth of knowledge and his magnanimous spirit, Dr. Tom Roop, died at his home in Florence, South Carolina, on Saturday, January 14, 2017, after a valiant battle with cancer. Tom was born the eldest son to Robert Way Roop and Eva Marie Westrom in Niagara Falls, New York, on April 25, 1937.He flourished among twelve siblings. He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Angela Mangum Roop. He cherished his two sons: Timothy Jay Roop (Katy) of Charleston, SC, and Jonathan Michael Roop (Olivia) of Florence, South Carolina. He was the proud grandfather of Andrew, Jordan, and Sarah Roop.He prized his relationship with each of his eleven brothers and sisters:Judy R. Redell of Oswego, NY;Elaine R. Thomas of North Truro, MA;Dot R. Mowery of North Truro, MA;Anne R. Ellis of Saratoga Springs, NY; David Roop (Shelley) of Whitehall, NY;Daniel Roop of Rochester, NY; Nina Roop of Gansevoort, NY; and Liza R. Way of Albuquerque, NM.He was pre-deceased by:brother, John Roop of Williamstown, MA; half-sister, Mary Schneider of West Monroe, NY; and half- brother, Robert Roop of West Monroe, NY. He took as his own his sisters-in-law:Dianne M. Duncan (pre-deceased, John) of Laurens,SC; and Marilyn M. Lee (Dennis) of Bluffton, SC. He was blessed with 22 nieces and nephews and a host of great nieces and nephews. Upon Tom’s graduation from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, in 1959, he began teaching Biology at East Aurora High School in Lancaster, New York.He earned his Master’s Degree in 1963 at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.In 1972 he took his Ph.D. from Florida State University. Now Dr. Tom Roop, he accepted a teaching position at the then young Francis Marion College, now Francis Marion University. Here he enjoyed an illustrious career. He was awarded the Francis Marion College Distinguished Professor Award in 1980.Later he received the Helm’s Award for the South Carolina Top Science Educator of the Year.During his tenure at Francis Marion, he was named the J. L. Mason Professor of Health Sciences and Professor of Biology and Coordinator of Biology Pre-Professional Programs, an endowed Chair.Based on a nomination set forth by one of his students, Dr. Roop was named to the 2000 Edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.In 2005, he received the Service Award from the South Carolina Academy of Science.He proudly served as the Ars-Medica Society faculty advisor.The preparation of his students brought an outstanding acceptance rate to medical schools in the state and across the nation.He was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society.Noteworthy is the fact that Dr. Roop helped found the South Carolina Governor’s School of Math and Science.He also worked tirelessly with the South Carolina Academy of Science, serving in various capacities: Board Chair; Chair of the Teacher of the Year Committee, and Judging Coordinator.He was tapped to serve on the Board for the prestigious South Carolina Academy of Science.He was an enthusiastic supporter of Art’s Alive, serving on their steering committee for 10 years.Dr. Roop retired from Francis Marion University in 2004 as Professor Emeritus. Far beyond his many professional accomplishments, Tom valued most his relationships with his students. He taught and inspired generations of nurses, doctors, teachers, and others. He stood ready to open his mind and heart to each and every one of his students and by so doing, welcomed them as “family.” Long after their graduations, his life continued to be fueled and warmed by their outpouring of love and affection. He was a teacher in the finest sense, a mentor and a friend. For almost 40 years they gathered from across the country for an annual camp out reunion near Mount Mitchell in Western North Carolina. Culminating this annual ritual was a surprise gathering at Cheraw State Park in 2011 . It was every teacher’s dream: former students stood in testimony to his impact upon their lives. It was a watershed moment for a man who counted it a privilege to share with his students a journey of friendship while exploring and revealing the wonders of creation. Tom was a shining example of leaving the world a much better place than he found it.Let it be known that Tom knew Him who was the Giver of his life’s many good and perfect gifts: his wife; his sons; his family; and his friends. On Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 11:35 a.m. he entered a full fellowship with the Architect of all Creation, the Maker of all Mysteries, and the Author of Men’s Souls-- -Jesus Christ. He once again graduated with honors. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Francis Marion University in the Chapman Auditorium (formerly McNair Auditorium) at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the Wallace House,home of Dr. Fred Carter, President of FMU, on the campus from 12:00 – 1:30 pm. Memorials may be made to the Tom Roop Scholarship Fund, FMU Education Foundation, P.O. Box 100547, Florence, SC 29502-0547, or to the charity of one’s choice. Please send messages to the family at the obit section of www.stoudenmiredowling.com.