Obituary of J K Cope

Mr. J K Cope age 91, of Tampa, FL formerly of Portland, TN died Saturday, September 4, 2021 at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, FL. Mr. Cope was born February 15, 1930 in Davie County, NC the son of the late John F. and Martha Ellis Cope. Mr. Cope is survived by his son David Cope of Cumming, GA; daughter Esther Krumholz of Tampa, FL; stepdaughters Judy Ayers of Portland, TN; Shirley Crutcher of Franklin, KY; and Pat Sullivan of Chattanooga, TN; stepson Byron Carlton of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren Chris Cope, Amanda Cope, and Forest Bradley; step-grandchildren Joe Ayers, Jon. Ayers, Tim Ayers, Tony Ayers, Emily Wade, Elizabeth Bolerjack, Stephanie Grey, Jonathan Clayton, Ashley Deal and many step-great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, Mr. Cope was preceded in death by his first wife Lucille Frye Cope from Advance, NC; second wife Versie Dodd Cope from Henderson, TN; third wife Millie Kelley Cope from Portland, TN; fourth wife Betty Carlton Cope from Fort Mead, FL; his oldest daughter Kay Cope Wahlen from Woodbridge, VA; stepdaughter Mimi Campbell from Franklin, KY; his oldest son John Cope from Sautee, GA; and stepson Wayne Carlton from Chattanooga, TN. Mr. Cope was a member of Highland Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Portland, TN and a member of the VFW Post in Portland, TN, where he was a former Post Commander. Mr. Cope served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He retired from Sunbelt Healthcare System after 32 years of service in multiple departments. Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Old Brush Cemetery in Portland, TN. Military rites will be held at the graveside. Gilbert Funeral Home in Portland, TN is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements for the Cope family.