Charles Henry Cope, 93, was born in Frenchburg, Kentucky on December 21, 1927, the third of five children born to Henry Allen Cope and Eunice Gose Cope.  He grew up on a treasured homestead on McCausey Ridge.

He graduated from Frenchburg High School as Valedictorian of his class in 1945, and went on to serve his country in WWII as a Supply Sergeant in the Philippines from 1946-1948.

Upon returning to Frenchburg, he married Wilma Egelston.  They formed a loving family over the years with children, Steven, David and Julie.  This loving and devoted marriage was to last for well over 72 years.

In October of 1954 he began a long and successful career with The National Life and Accident Insurance Company.  He retired in 1993 as a top-selling staff manager.  During his years at National Life, he was awarded trips to Hawaii, Bahamas, Bermuda, Spain and Switzerland.

He was saved in May 1967, and was baptized into the Trinity Baptist Church.  He served as deacon for many years and was more recently named Deacon Emeritus.

Charlie dearly loved his family and gathered them all together weekly for good food, music, stories, scrabble games and much love and laughter. He traveled annually to Gatlinburg with his siblings and their spouses for many years and was much loved by all of his extended family.  Children were always drawn to Charlie and he absolutely adored his three grandchildren, Cori Beth, John Allen and Daniel.

Charlie was loved and respected by all who knew him.  He was a treasured husband, and adored father and grandfather, uncle, neighbor and friend.  He lived a full and rich life and now walks with Jesus forever.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma of Winchester, KY; two sons, Steven Ray Cope of Winchester, KY and David Cope (Julie) of Frenchburg, KY; one daughter, Julie Baumgardner (Mark) of Winchester, KY; one brother, Owen Anderson Cope (Ruth) of Middletown, OH; two sisters, Eunice Meryl Benson of Dayton, OH and Temple Donaldson of Mt. Sterling, KY; three grandchildren, Cori Beth Cope, John Allen Cope and Daniel Baumgardner; three special step-granddaughters, Kimberly Smith, Valeria Smith and Rebecca Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Forrest Ray Cope, lost in WWII; and two brother-n-laws, George Benson and Everett Donaldson.

A visitation will be held 12-1 PM, Friday, January 29, 2021 with the funeral service starting 1 PM at Taul Funeral Home Chapel Frenchburg with Rev. Ronald Barker officiating, burial following at Mack Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Kim Spencer, Greg Spencer, Todd Egelston, Chris Spencer, Jacob Spencer and Josh Spencer.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 1675 Strader Drive, Lexington, KY 40505.