There are many people here who would do just that. Me too. At the least: cant hurt!

I often cut off tomatoes, peppers and other plants at the ground surface. Especially if the soil is heavy (clay), the roots will provide porosity as they decompose. When I'm planting next season, if they get in the way I can dig up what's left then. That's usually just the biggest part of the stem and main root by that time.

I leave as many roots as possible to decompose. In the spring, pull pout what's left and plant more stuff.

Okra has roots going down 4-6 feet!

Plant roots are organic matter and any organic matter added to soil is beneficial so yes leave the roots in the soil where they will help feed the Soil Food Web and, in clay soils, make better access for other plant roots and thingys like earthworms. What did you do with the tops? Compost them or add them to the soil as well?

I did compost the tops. I chopped those guys up and filled up my compost bin! I have three compost piles going right now so I knew I would win either way but hoped leaving the okra roots would add something to the bed. Thanks all for your comments.

I don't think I could pull mine up without a tractor. I cut the tops off with pruning lopers, cut that into sections and throw them in the compost. Then just ignore the roots, they just go away on their own.