Donald Ray Loper

(May 17, 1946 – May 31, 2023)

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Collins for Donald Ray Loper, 77, of Collins, who passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Collins, Mississippi.

Reverend Glenn Shoemake will officiate the service with interment to follow in the Thompson Family Cemetery in Seminary. Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Collins will be in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 3202 Hwy 49, Collins, Mississippi.

Pallbearers will be Jamey Thompson, Billy Don Loper, Brian Lucas, Garrett Loper, James "Dougie" Jerrell, and Pete Schwindle. Honorary pallbearers will be Blakestyn Lucas.

Mr. Loper was born on May 17, 1946, in Collins to Diamond and Irene Loper. He lived his entire life in Covington County and retired after working 28 years as a heavy equipment operator for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. He loved hunting, maintaining his yard, and owning, working on, and driving classic cars. His nephews lovingly referred to him as "the Sheriff". He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Thompson Loper; father, Paul William "Diamond" Loper; mother, Rosa Irene Boutwell Loper; brother, Billy Paul Loper; and one grandson, Justin Johnson Loper.

Survivors include his children, Richard Loper (Alisa) of Seminary, Russell Loper of Seminary, and Samantha Loper Lucas of Collins; sister, Marilyn Loper Williamson of Seminary; grandchildren, Billy Don Loper (Miranda), Brian Lucas, Alyssa Lucas, Garrett Loper, Blakestyn Lucas, and Briley Lucas; great-grandson, Atticus Donald Loper; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Loper's memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate or  to The American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.billymkingcolonialchapel.com.