Elbert Ray Cope

June 25, 1941 - August 30, 2022

Facebook

Taylors First Baptist Church

200 West Main Street

Taylors, SC 29687

Tuesday 9/6, 10:30 am - 11:45 am

Taylors First Baptist Church

200 West Main Street

Taylors, SC 29687

Tuesday 9/6, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Taylors First Baptist Church

200 West Main Street

Taylors, SC 29687

Tuesday 9/6

Elbert Ray Cope, 81, beloved husband of Jacqueline Cope, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2022.
Born in Candler, NC, he was the son of the late Cecil and Dorothy Lovingood Cope.
Ray graduated Enka High School in NC in 1959, and Berea College in KY in 1963, where he earned his BA in Business Administration.
Ray moved to Winston-Salem and worked for Wachovia Bank and Trust Company in the trust department, becoming manager of the Charitable Funds Department. In 1991, he became President of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, which is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of residents throughout North Carolina. He retired in 2004 and received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities.
The most important things in Ray’s life were his wife, his children, and his family at New Friendship Baptist Church, where he attended and served for 41 years. He was an active man – playing tennis, softball, bicycling and running – and he was a man of great character, faith, and family values. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by his son, Gavin Cope of Fountain Inn, SC; daughter, Tammy Cope Propst of Greenville, SC; and granddaughter, Nola Claire Propst of Brooklyn, NY.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lilian Marie Propst; and brothers, Carl Kermit Cope of Alvin, TX, Ronald Andrew Cope of Lufkin, TX, and Carroll Wayne Cope of Sevierville, TN.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at Taylors First Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be held in Taylors First Baptist Church Cemetery.
Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Taylors First Baptist Church

200 West Main Street

Taylors, SC 29687

Map

Tuesday 9/6, 10:30 am - 11:45 am

Taylors First Baptist Church

200 West Main Street

Taylors, SC 29687

Map

Tuesday 9/6, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Taylors First Baptist Church

200 West Main Street

Taylors, SC 29687

Map

Tuesday 9/6

See Condolences

Dear Jackie, Gavin, and Tammy, Lenna and I were heartbroken to learn of Ray’s passing. We didn’t hear of Ray’s passing until yesterday. May God give you the comfort and strength that He promises to all who morn. You all are so special to us and touched our lives in so many ways. Ray was a great man and a special friend to me. I hope Lenna and I can visit with you in the near future for we just want to say what’s in our hearts for the Cope family. We know we’ll see Ray again and what a Glorious Day that will be. We love you all, George and Lenna Sweat.

I worked with Ray on several occasions planning our multi-class reunions along with Jacqueline. It was a joy to work with them and they had such pleasing personalities. I offer my deepest condolences to Jacqueline and Ray's family and friends. The world would be a better place if there were more people like Ray and Jacquelinne. Jerry Lance

Our sincerest, warmest, and most heartfelt condolences to Jackie, Gavin, Tammy, and Nola, you all are in our caring thoughts and prayers, Sending Love

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Elbert Cope . Plant a Tree

So sorry to learn of Ray's passing. I had the privilege of working with Ray during my tenure at Wachovia Bank. Ray was the face of Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to so many people and organizations. It was always a pleasure to work with Ray. "E-Ray and Hoo-Ray" will never be forgotten by me!!

Dear Ray Cope family, Mary Dot and I have talked to the family numerous times lately during Ray’s sickness. He truly was one God’s angels. Always ready to help any one in need. We have shared so much in life starting with taking Ray to Winston Salem after he finished at Berea College where he and Jackie lived for years. His life was surely one of great passion and compassion. We will see again soon in Heaven Ray. Love you Ray and family, Mary Dot and Bill

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

All the Love and Blessings from Jon, Victoria, Mackenzie and Grace Levi... Uncle Ray and his memories will forever live in happiness in my Heart.

Faithful Blessings Bouquet was purchased for the family of Elbert Cope by Jon Levi. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Elbert Cope

Our warmest condolences,

Eternal Affection Arrangement was purchased for the family of Elbert Cope by William R. and Karen Yoak Lewis. Send Flowers

Ray was a classmate of mine at Berea College. I grew up in Waynesville but got to know Ray at Berea. So sorry to hear from Larry House that Ray had passed away. Prayers for comfort for your family at this time of grief. Sincere condolences. ????

Hi Cope Family Ray was a fantastic father, neighbor and a great person to admire his success in life . I'm sad for yall and may God bless each of you especially during this sad time in your lives . But now he lives in your hearts and as an Angel of protection in your life for ever . God bless , take care , rember the good . John Bond

Tammy, Nola, Gavin and Mrs. Cope - Sending our sincere condolences during this difficult time as you mourn and celebrate Mr. Cope.

Faithful Blessings Bouquet was purchased for the family of Elbert Cope by Anonymous. Send Flowers

With love and sympathy, The Bayle/Seymours

Alluring Ellegance Bouquet was purchased for the family of Elbert Cope by Anonymous. Send Flowers

Dearest Jackie, Gavin, Tammy and your families, We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in our thoughts & prayers. May God bless you all with comfort & peace knowing, Ray is with our Heavenly Father & at peace. We have been friends since our meeting at New Friendship Baptist Church back in 1971. In Christian love & prayers!

I am so sorry to know my classmate of 1959 at Enka High School has died. I have fond memories of Ray who was our Class President and well liked. Prayers for his wife and family as they remember him and his life of care and love for his family and for his community. May you find comfort in the love of Jesus for each of you. Priscilla Rice Mogan

Jackie and family. I was terribly saddened to learn of Rays death. He was a very nice man and a super colleague both at Wachovia and Kate B. I wish that I could be in Taylor’s to pay my respect, however my daughters family in from London England is here and we leave for Hilton head tomorrow. Pleas accept my sincere and deepest sympathies.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jackie, Gavin and Tammy

Peaceful Passage Arrangement was purchased for the family of Elbert Cope by The Kate B Reynolds Charitable Trust. Send Flowers

I had the great privilege of working for and with Ray for many years at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. Ray was very fair, kind, hard-working, and wanted the best for each of his employees. In that same vain, Ray worked tirelessly for the underserved population of North Carolina. Because of Ray’s leadership, I’m a better person. Thank you Hoo-Ray, now go rest high on that Mountain. Amen. Susie & Larry

Praying for you Tammy and your sweet family. Lifting you all up in prayer.. Sending much love and strength for the coming days. Love you sweet friend ????

Jackie, Gavin & Tammy, One of my 2 BEST FRIENDS ever let me know this morning. (Ray was 1 of those 2) My heart is heavy at this moment. Some of THE BEST tmes of my life were spent with Rita, you & Ray (Kelly & Sue) actually they were the best times! My condolences for your loss but we all know where Ray Cope is today !!! And we know we have that assurance we will see him again!!! My Prayers & Love for you and the family, Rod

So sorry to hear about Ray's passing. Know he is in a much better place.

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I enjoyed your visits when Tammy and I were neighbors. I hope you find comfort in the beautiful memories in your heart. Love to Mrs Cope, Tammy and Gavin Pam Williams (Brown)

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.