A Tribute to Don Roff
One of Our Prayer Partners1935-2019
Robert Ingersoll wrote, “We rise by lifting others.”
I’ve never known a man who did that better than Don Roff. For nearly nine years, I was blessed to be his pastor. And for twice that long, I was blessed to be his friend.
As I told Jeanette, Don’s beautiful wife of 61 years, there were some people I’d see coming down the hall at church, and I’d duck into the nearest closet. There were others I was glad to see. And then there was Don. He was the guy I’d run past everyone else to get to.
Why? Because Don was a lifter.
He started by lifting his own life from a nondescript upbringing in the small town of Eastland, Texas, to a revered position with Texaco Oil Company. Then he became a small business owner in Oklahoma for 22 years. It was there that he met the love of his life – OU football.
The best I could tell, in Don’s orbit, the Sooners were only outranked by God, family, and country. And for 12 Saturdays every fall, I’m not sure the order didn’t get a bit muddled.
When my Texas Longhorns would lose to OU on a Saturday, I knew I’d hear it from Don at church the next day. But he always made it funny.
Don rose by lifting others.
He always had a joke on his mind and a sparkle in his eye. He would crack me up before he even got to the punch line. Don complemented every sermon and ignored every fault.
Don rose by lifting others.
Last Friday, Don heard the voice of God. “Well done,” said his Savior. And with that, heaven got a lift. I don’t know that Don’s presence makes heaven better (it was already perfect), but I’m pretty sure it makes heaven funnier.
Don was the consummate church member, prayer warrior, and friend. He was happy to join our team of prayer partners at Revival in Our Time. Don never sought the spotlight; he was content to shine his light on others. When he entered a room, the mood got better. When he left the room, I always wanted to follow him out.
Don rose by lifting others.
Some can sing. Others can preach. Don could lift. And he did it well.
Don and Jeanette were two reasons I loved pastoring FBC Gainesville more than any other church. Don made it fun because he was fun. That’s how God wired him. Don rose by lifting others. And now he has been lifted himself – to the very presence of the Savior whom he loved so much.
For 83 years, Don rose by lifting others. I will forever be grateful that God brought him into my life 18 years ago. In a life filled with uncertainties, one thing remained constant.
Don rose by lifting others – better than anyone else I know.