TikToker Joe Mack Roy dead after fighting sudden health battle – as family of Pop Watch star reveals his final moments

A BELOVED grandfather who rose to fame on TikTok for his heartwarming personality and southern wisdom has died.

The grandchildren of a Facebook sensation, who suddenly died Thursday morning, are commemorating him with heartfelt posts. 

Joe Mack Roy died Thursday at the age of 90

The Facebook turned TikTok sensation was transferred to hospice care Wednesday night and passed away early Thursday morning, according to updates on his account Pop Watch.

Roy, also known as “Pop,” rose to social media fame when clips of his witty comments and love for Dr. Pepper were posted to the Facebook account by his grandchildren.

Early Thursday afternoon, his grandchildren posted an update announcing the sad death of their grandfather.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my grandfather, better known as “Pop,” peacefully passed away last night with our family by his side,” the post began.

“‘When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.’

“I am so grateful to have gotten to spend 40 years of my life with him and can only hope to live to be as old and wise as he was.

“I just think to myself, how lucky am I to have had someone that was so hard to say “goodbye” to? Thank y’all so much for all your prayers. They have been felt and are appreciated more than you will ever know. Pop may not have met all of y’all, but he loved you all,” his grandchild wrote.

The Facebook post received over 82,000 comments in under an hour and 233,000 reactions from followers.

His grandchild who runs the Pop Watch account thanked fans for their support and kind words.

I appreciate all the kind words. Pop never really understood the world he helped protect by being in the hearts of so many.

“Pop didn’t grasp no matter how many times I explained how big the world had truly gotten and how important and loved he was. He only kept up with what he could see from his front porch swing.

“Even though he may not have fully realized but he was a surrogate Grandfather to millions of people. The long lasting impact of the love that flowed both ways will always be felt. Everyone deserves a ‘Pop.’I’m glad I got to share mine with all of yall.”

For the past few weeks, Roy’s granddaughter and grandson have been posting updates about his health on both Facebook and Instagram.

Prior to the announcement of his death, his grandchildren told followers that the Internet legend would be transferred to hospice.

In a 12-minute video, Roy’s grandson announced that “things have taken a turn for the worst.”

“Within the last 24 hours, his body basically shut down on him,” his grandson said.

“He fell asleep and couldn’t wait back up. His vitals was still good but slowly dropping. His breathing was still good but slowly dropping.”