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Ray Cope
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June 25, 1941 - August 30, 2022
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 p.m. Burial will be held in Taylors First Baptist Church Cemetery.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
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David Cotterill
Truly a great person who was excellent in his role at Wachovia and as the President of Kate B, Reybolds Charitable Trust. Ray was a pleasure to be around,calm, pleasant and effective. I could go on and on saying great things about Ray but I also know that he would not want me to. A special friend who leaves a hole in my heart..
Susan Whicker
I worked with Ray during my early years at Wachovia. I loved the way he treated people including his clients, support staff and all who he encountered during the work day. Love to the family who I know he cherished including this work family. Rest in Peace.
Dave Roberts
RIP Ray...
Ray certainly was one-in-a-million!
Somehow Ray found out I had grown up around Waynesville, NC and he took great pride in telling me he had grownup in Candler and graduated Enka HS.
Candler is between Asheville and Waynesville and Canton is between Candler and Waynesville. While Candler and Waynesville were rivals in HS sports, they both... eh... disliked Canton.
I treasured that small private connection to Ray and we talked often about our mountain hertiage.
Ray will long be remembered by those who had the pleasure of ever meeting him.
Dr
Jerry Ayers
From my contacts with Ray, I was always struck by the kindness and caring that he exhibited. He was ideally suited for the role he had leading Charitable Trust at Wachovia and certainly for the leadership he later provided for the KBR Trust. A true gentleman with a keen mind who left the world a better place through his actions and efforts.
Hugh Durden
Ray was a fine person who I greatfully admired. Haven't seen him in many years, but know he will be long remembered by the many folks he touched with his kindness and commitment to the well being of others.