Robert L. Soper

Robert L. Soper, 66, of Hahira, went to be with Jesus, surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at his residence. Born in Valdosta on October 16, 1951 to the late Martin L. & Anne Soper, he was a lifelong resident of this area. Robert graduated from Lowndes High School in 1969. He served in the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge in 1974. After his Army service, he attended and graduated from Valdosta State College on the G.I. Bill in 1977 with a degree in History. That same year he began working at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Valdosta, which was the start of a career that would last over four decades. Robert would go on to serve as the Executive Director for many years, then as the President and Chief Professional Officer prior to his retirement in 2013. During retirement he continued his service to youth as a consultant and an Executive Coach for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. During his tenure with the Boys & Girls Club he helped lead and improve the programs and facilities of both the downtown location and the acquisition and development of the Lake Laurie campus. He also won many awards associated with his work and leadership such as the 2004 Executive of the Year for Southeast Region Boys & Girls Clubs, 2010 Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta Man of the Year, 2013 National Contribution to the Profession Award of the Boys & Girls Club of America and was inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame for Boys & Girls Clubs in 2015. In 2013, the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Board of Directors named the Toombs Street football field in his honor. Robert was honored as the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus of Lowndes High School by the Lowndes Education Improvement Foundation. Robert poured his life into investing into the youth of our community. He provided hope and light to countless youth.
Robert was also devoted to serving Jesus at his church, Hahira United Methodist Church. He was currently serving as Lay Leader and treasured working with his friends there. Working in and beautifying his yard was a favorite activity and he loved listening to Rock & Roll music and learning about the artists and bands. Traveling to the beach or the mountains with family and friends, learning and disseminating trivia, and engaging in ‘Soper Sarcasm’ were also favorite pastimes of Robert.
Robert will be deeply missed by his family he loved so much which includes his wife of 42 years, Marianne Soper of Hahira, son and daughter in law, William & Kristy Soper of Marietta; daughter and son in law, Bonnie & Nathan Johnson of Hahira; and a son Zachary Soper and Ali Smith of Tifton. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Livi & Rush Johnson, both of Hahira; two brothers and two sisters in law, David & Sheila Soper of Valdosta, and Rev. Richard & Patsy Soper of Brunswick; a sister and brother in law, Martha Ann “Marty” & Jim Prine of Thomasville; a sister in law and brother in law, Eileen & Ed Reed of Cypress, TX and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a brother, Bill Soper.
The funeral for Robert will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Hahira United Methodist Church. Rev. Mike Davis will officiate. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Martin/McLane Funeral Home in Hahira on Wednesday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta, 215 W. North Street, Valdosta, GA 31601. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Martin/McLane Funeral Home