Johnny Ray Soper

Johnny Ray Soper, 54, of Baltimore, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, at Ohio State University Hospital after a prolonged illness.

John was born Nov. 21, 1953, in Cambridge, to the late Raymond H. Soper and Norma Stevens Soper. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in Germany. He was employed for a number of years in the building trade. John was an avid sports fan, who closely followed both the OSU Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. He was a member of the Baltimore VFW Post No. 3761, Buckeye Lake F. O. E. and Pickerington American Legion Post.

He is survived by his mother, Norma Soper; brother, Bruce Soper of Baltimore; two sisters, Trudy Soper of Lancaster and Carolyn (Bill) Marwood of Youngstown; three nieces; and three nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and an infant brother.

Services will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Johnson Smith funeral Home Chapel and Crematory, 207 S. Main St., Baltimore, with Pastor James Dexter of Good Shepherd Church of Lancaster officiating.

Caring Cremation to follow.

Friends may visit from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the family at 217 N. Yencer St. in Baltimore.

There will be a gathering at the Baltimore VFW Post No. 3761 following the service.