Andrew William Cope

Otto. NC - Andrew William Cope, age 87, of Andys Trout Farm Road, Otto, NC, passed away Monday, January 30, 2012. He was a native of Macon Co., NC, the son of the late John Perry Cope and Etta Cordelia Higdon Cope. He was a farmer and a member of Betty’s Creek Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Church and Cemetery Trustee and Choir Director. He was a member of Woodmen of the World, National Horseshoe Pitching Association; founder of North Georgia School of Gospel Music and a member of Franklin and Rabun Chamber of Commerce.

Andy was a World War II veteran and served on the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier in the Pacific from 1943-1945. He was a very creative man and contributed much to his family and his community. He and his wife Hazel started Andy’s Trout Farm just outside of Dillard, Ga. in 1965 and this continues to be a family business. Andy loved gospel music and was instrumental in keeping the Rabun County Friday night singing alive for many years. He was a founding member of the North Georgia School of Gospel music and it was his mission to keep shaped note singing an art form in this area. Andy believed in family and church recreation and supported Sunday afternoon softball for the church. In his younger years he was active in working with the youth of the church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Hazel Justice Cope, who passed away April 28, 2011, also five siblings, Margie Cope, Ida Cope, Fred, Ben and Harold Cope.

He is survived by a daughter, Barbara Passmore and her husband Bill of Dillard, GA; a son, Jerry Cope and his wife Becky of Dillard, GA; two brothers, R. L. Cope of Nantahala and Delmar Cope of Dillard, GA; three grandchildren, Sonya Leah Cousineau, Paula Passmore Ledford and Marty Andrew Cope; six great-grandchildren, Maleah, Mariah and Madison Cousineau, Renee Whitmire, Ashlei and Jeremy Cope.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 1st at 11:00 am at Bettys Creek Baptist Church, with Rev. Everett Wilson and Rev. Jason Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Troy Cousineau, Scottie Cope, Kenny Cope, Justin McClain, Gene Ledford, and Caleb Gates. Church Deacons will serve as honorary pallbearers. The Franklin VFW Post #7339 and American Legion Post #108 will conduct complete military graveside rites.

The familly will receive friends from 10:00 till 11:00 am, one hour prior to the service, at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Georgia School of Gospel Music, PO Box 115, Blairsville, GA 30514.

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