LONGVIEW, Texas — A beloved East Texas man who took the internet by storm in 2017 has passed away.
That man — my grandfather, Joe Mack Roy, better known as "Pop" from "Pop Watch," — died Wednesday night at the age of 90.
Pop shot to fame when my brother, Jason, began a Facebook page to showcase our 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, Mary — 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.
My family would like to take the time to say "thank you" to the millions around the world who have welcomed our family into yours. We are forever grateful to all of you.
Services for Pop are pending.