'Arsenal of videos': East Texas 'Pop Watch' star's memory, beloved grandfather, will live on | State

Around the world and at home in Longview, Joe Mack Roy was known as “Pop.”

And he hated when his favorite drink, Dr Pepper, went stale. It was one of the many topics he complained about on camera, much to the delight of his millions of fans around the world who followed his rants and ramblings in “Pop Watch” videos that appeared on social media platforms.

Roy never intended to be a social media star. His grandson, Jason Roy, began filming his antics and posting them on social media. Originally, the goal of the videos was to keep family, who were far away, updated on what Pop was up to.

But when a celebrity shared one of those videos, the world took notice — and laughed. There's a reason he had nearly 6 million social media followers and more than 7 billion views: Pop was the kind of grumpy grandpa that many could identify with and love, said his granddaughter, CBS19 journalist Reagan Roy.

When Pop died Wednesday night at age 90, his fans were devastated, Reagan Roy said. But the joy Pop brought will not end. The videos posted on social media will remain there, and more will follow.

“Jason has an arsenal of videos that have never been released,” said Reagan Roy.

Pop's death made headlines around the world, with international news outlets such as The Daily Mail, TMZ and The US Sun carrying the news along with smiling photos of the quick-witted grandfather, whose dour demeanor and humor – his grumpy commentary on everyday life – endeared him to people everywhere.

Pop's fame began in 2017. Reagan Roy didn't realize what a celebrity he had become until their wedding about five years ago, when Pop got up to dance.

“All these people at my wedding were taking pictures with him and dancing with him,” Reagan Roy said. “It's just going through the roof on social media. … I'm just thinking, 'This is the same person I've known my whole life.'”

But even though the family realized how influential their grandfather had become, Pop “just didn't realize how big it had become,” Reagan Roy said.

Pop was the same man on camera as he was off it. He was a huge sports fan and taught Reagan Roy how to drive in the parking lot of Spring Hill High School. (Pop served on the district's school board years ago and the trustees paid their respects during their meeting Thursday night.)

“He made the absolute best cheese and bacon sandwiches,” Reagan Roy said. “It's probably not something people ask for very often, but it's the best thing ever.”

The Eastman Chemical Co. retiree was also a little league softball coach. During one practice, Reagan Roy wasn't paying attention. Pop warned her, but she wasn't concentrating. Pop threw the ball and, well, hit her in the forehead.

“He said, 'See, this is what happens when you're not careful,'” Reagan Roy said. “After that, I was always careful.”

Jason Roy and Pop were close, Reagan Roy said. But even though they never met him in person, Pop's fans feel the same way. The family has received an outpouring of support.

The news of his death could make Pop Watch even more popular and well-known, Reagan Roy said. People who had never heard of him before have now heard of him and seen his videos.

“It was incredible to see,” she said.

In the future, Jason Roy may write a book about his life with pop.

“Everyone has a Pop in their life,” said Reagan Roy. “If we can keep reminding them of their Pop with our Pop, then that's exactly what we want to do.”

Reagan Roy's message to families is: If you have parents, grandparents and siblings in your life who love you, record their stories. You won't regret it.

“It ensures that even if these people physically die and move on, they will always be there and the memories will always be there,” she said.

According to his obituary, Pop leaves behind his wife Maria, a son, Billy, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The viewing is scheduled for August 28th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 3501 Elmira Drive in Longview, followed by burial.