Mr. William Lawrence “Bill” Bapst, Jr., age 77 of Jasper and one of the “good guys”, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 15, 2013 at his home in Bent Tree.Bill was a loving husband and father, devout Catholic, Naval officer, community volunteer and a proud Notre Dame graduate (’57).

He is survived by his wife, Sue, of 55 years, children, David & Donna Kay Bapst; Karen Bapst; John & Melissa Bapst; Donna & Larry Kubaszewski; Kathy McNair; Bridget & Pete Radosta; and Rick & Heather Bapst; brother, Mark Bapst; sisters, Gretchen Rutter; Christine Leuck; Victoria Henzy; 16 beautiful grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

While Bill dedicated his retirement years to serving others in many ways, a few highlights of his service are Bent Tree Board President (2 terms), Founding Member of the Bent Tree Foundation, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, member of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, and Board Member for Georgia Mountains Hospice.

The family will be receiving friends at Roper Funeral Home on Sunday, July 21, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Funeral Mass is scheduled for 1:00 pm Monday, July 22, 2013 at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church with Father Byrd officiating. Entombment of the remains will be at 9:30 am Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Ga. with Military Honors by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either Georgia Mountains Hospice or to The Bent Tree Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory of Jasper, Georgia. Online condolences may be sent to www.RoperFuneralHome.com.