CBS19 when they covered Pop's visitation and service

 

Services have been scheduled for a beloved East Texas man who passed away earlier this week. Joe Mack Roy, better known as "Pop" from "Pop Watch," — died Wednesday night at the age of 90.

 Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., at Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church, located at 3501 Elmira Dr. in Longview, TX. The funeral, also at Elmira Chapel, will follow. A private burial will take place after the services conclude. How To Borrow From Your Home Without Touching Your Mortgage     For those who ware unable to attend, the funeral will be streamed on the Rader Funeral Home website.   Pop shot to fame when his grandson, 

Jason, began a Facebook page to showcase his grandfather's quirky sayings, quick wit and love for Dr. Pepper seven years ago. Since then, his global social media fanbase has grown to more than 6 million people and his videos have been viewed nearly 7 billion times. Pop met his wife, Maria — also known as "Nan," while stationed in Puerto Rico with the U.S. Air Force in 1955. Their feelings for each other were instant. Three days after they met, Pop was scheduled to return to Texas. The new couple decided to marry and settle in Longview as husband and wife, and the rest is history. They would've celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March 2025.  

Once upon a time in a small, picturesque village nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, there lived a woman named Elara. Known for her radiant smile and warm spirit, she was a nurse at the local clinic, where she dedicated herself to the health and care of her fellow villagers. The townspeople often sought her guidance for ailments, and she was always there with remedies, comfort, and compassion.

However, beneath her gracious exterior, Elara faced her own battle. For several years, she had been living with a chronic health condition that often left her tired and weary. It was a struggle that she rarely spoke of, wanting to keep her focus on helping others rather than burdening them with her own issues. Elara suffered from a rare autoimmune disorder that caused her body to attack itself, leading to pain and fatigue that ebbed and flowed like the changing seasons.

As autumn painted the village in hues of gold and crimson, the first chill of winter crept into the air. Elara felt the weight of her condition more than ever. While the villagers prepared for the upcoming harvest festival, she found herself overwhelmed. The ache in her joints became more pronounced, and her energy levels dipped dangerously low. Still, she pushed through, believing that she could find the strength to help everyone prepare for the joyous occasion.

One evening, while organizing the festival’s health fair at the clinic, Elara collapsed. Her colleagues rushed her to a nearby doctor, and as she lay on the gurney, she felt a flood of emotions. Fear, frustration, and the deep-seated worry that her condition might prevent her from helping others stung her heart.

After a thorough examination, the doctor recommended a new treatment plan. It was not a cure, but it offered hope for managing her symptoms better. However, the plan also required strict adherence to self-care and rest—two things that Elara found hard to embrace. The pressure to be the pillar of strength for the community weighed heavily on her.

Over the next few weeks, Elara struggled with her decision. She felt guilty for taking time away from her responsibilities and the people who depended on her. But after much introspection, she decided to prioritize her health, knowing it was essential for her to continue caring for others in the long run.

She reached out to her fellow villagers, sharing her experience candidly for the first time. They were initially shocked to learn about her condition, but their response was overwhelming. Instead of pity, they offered support. They organized community activities, allowing Elara to step back from her duties without feeling like she was letting anyone down. They took turns visiting the clinic, preparing meals, and even setting up workshops in her honor to raise awareness about health issues that often remained in the shadows.