Bobby Winfield Cope, 87, of Sparta, passed away Aug. 29, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.
Bobby was born Sept. 16, 1935, in Sparta, to Thomas Winfield and Dollie Roberts Cope.
Alongside his brother, Bobby owned Cope Brothers Oil Company, in Sparta, for many years. In addition, he owned and operated other businesses near Center Hill Lake through the years. Saturdays, in the fall, were devoted to University of Tennessee football as he was a season ticket holder for many years. Bobby was also a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed being on Center Hill. He was an avid golfer and served as president of Sparta Country Club for several years. He served in the National Guard for 14 years and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Ann Bennett Cope who died Aug. 24, 2021; daughter, Sherry Beth Cope Smith and son, Ronald Jeffrey “Jeff” Cope, both of whom he lost in 2020; and his siblings, James Edward “Jack” Cope who died in World War II, Haskell Cope, Pauline West, Thelma Swift, Beulah Troglen; and special nephew, Don Cope.
Survivors include his son, Mike (Christy) Cope, of Bell Buckle; grandchildren, Emilee (Jacob) Groce, Shane (Amanda) Smith, Ciera Cope, Zac Cope, Sabrina Butturini; great-grandchildren, Rylee and Maddox Groce, Carsen and Asher Smith, Samantha Butturini; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was 1 p.m., Sept. 1, 2023, at Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Veterans’ Honor Guard followed in Plainview Cemetery, in the Cassville community. Pastor Bob Bush will officiate.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
