Aaron Keith Shope

Franklin, NC - Aaron Keith Shope, age 61, of Franklin, NC, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2010 in a local hospital. He was born in Rabun County, GA, but had lived in Macon County all his life. He was the son of Dorothy Holden Shope of Franklin, NC and the late Edwin Woodrow Shope. He was a construction worker and part owner of the former S & S Auto Parts. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved motorcycle riding. He was a faithful member of Clarks Chapel United Methodist Church, and had done several missions. He was a Trustee, a Minister of Construction and a Committee Member. Laughter was part of his life. He was a US Army Veteran, having served in Vietnam in 1968-1969. He received the Bronze Star and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was a charter member of VVA Chapter #994, a member of Franklin VFW Post #7339 and American Legion Post #108. He was Vice President of the VVA. He had received the Linwood Lang Veterans Service Award.

In addition to his mother he is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gail Cabe Shope, two sisters, Ruth Dowdle and husband Ronnie, of Otto, NC and Lynn Nicholson and husband Tommy of Franklin, NC; a brother, Wade Shope and wife Carolyn of Franklin, NC. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by a half sister, Betty Jo Nichols.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 17th at 11:00 am at Clarks Chapel United Methodist Church, with Rev. Al Beck and Rev. Dick Richards officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Members of VVA Chapter #994 will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Daylon Plemens, Brenda Garner, and Ronnie Beale. The remainder of VVA members will also serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday evening at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home, where the body will remain until placed in the Church thirty minutes prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Clarks Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Jean Sutton, 1999 Clarks Chapel Road, Franklin, NC 28734 or to Vietnam Veterans Chapter #994, PO Box 2327, Franklin, NC 28744.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.