Bennie Shope
Bennie E. Shope, 84, of Cleveland, entered rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at his home, he built in 1960, surrounded by family.
He was born in Tennga, Ga. on June 7, 1933, to the late Drusie Ross (Grandma) and Claude (Grandpa) Shope, as the oldest of three. His wives Ella Mae Cross Shope, mother of his children, Betty Norman Shope, faithful companion; son, Ronnie Shope; and brother, Charles Shope also preceded him in death.
Bennie knew the reward of hard work. Working for companies like: Conasauga Hosiery Mill, Bishop Bakery, Coppingers Photo Lab, and Kelmans Coat Factory. He was an avid Amateur (Ham) Radio communicator (KO4AF). He was a faithful member of Samples Memorial Baptist Church.
Those left to cherish his memory include his sons: James Eddie Shope and wife Pam, Danny Shope and wife Martha, David Shope and wife Cora; granddaughters: Tammy Lombardi and husband Vince, Julia Shope, Amanda Rentschler and husband Todd, Renae Moore and husband Todd, Tisha Shope, Kaye Edwards and husband Josh, Brittany Cole and her partner Madison; grandsons: Jeremiah Shope and wife Robyn, Chris Shope and wife Elizabeth, Aaron Shope and wife Amanda, Daniel Shope; 15 great grandchildren, with one on the way; 1 great-great grandchild, with one on the way, brother, Larry Shope and wife Lois; several nieces, nephews; and a very special friend, Betty Payne. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Cora Shope for her unwavering care and love, the staff of Hospice of Chattanooga, and the family at Samples Memorial Baptist Church.
A Remembrance of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 26, at 3 p.m. from the Wildwood Avenue Chapel of Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services with Pastor Mark Cameron and Pastor Josh Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in the Cedar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with David Shope, Tim Shope, Roger Crittenden, Reed Sullivan, Ernie Scroggins and Todd Moore serving as casket bearers.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 25, from 5-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectively request donations be made to Samples Memorial Baptist Church, Childrens Ministry, at 371 Samples Chapel Road SE, Cleveland, Tn. 37323.
You may share your memories and condolences with the Shope family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.
The Wildwood Avenue Chapel of Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services has charge of arrangements.