Gerald B. Cope, Sr.

Gerald Barnette Cope passed away on April 10, 2014, at the age of 92. He was born in Cope, S.C., the youngest of five children of Sheldon B. Cope and Alberta B. Cope.

He earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from Clemson College in 1942, and served in the Army Air Force at what is now Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, and in Alaska, during World War II. After a stint with the family farm in Cope and John Deere Tractor Company in Claxton, Georgia, he was recalled for the Korean War in 1951 and because of his engineering degree, was assigned to the newly created missile test range at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Upon discharge from the service in 1952, he joined RCA, which operated the scientific and engineering functions of the missile test center where he worked until 1968, residing in Melbourne and Eau Gallie. His next assignment was a satellite tracking station at Rosman, N.C., until 1973. After a brief period of self-employment and work with his cousin, Don Cope, he joined Rockwell in Columbus, Ohio, followed by Martin Marietta in Maryland and Orlando, Florida. He was a Life Member of the Missile, Space & Range Pioneers.

He was the beloved husband for 70 years of Euna M. Cope, who passed away in 2013. He is survived by sons Gerald B. Cope, Jr. (Carol), David (Marta), and Wayne; grandchildren Kathy (Kelly) Simpkins, Jason (Amy) Cope, and Caroline Soret; great-grandchildren Darian, Jessica, Gabriel, and Gavin; brother-in-law Clayton Mays, and many nieces and nephews, for all of whom he had great affection.

A viewing will be at Newcomer Family Funeral Home, 895 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando, Fl 32822 on April 15, from 5 to 9 pm. The funeral will be at Newcomer on April 16, 2014, at 10 am. Interment will follow thereafter at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 S. U.S. Highway #1, Rockledge, Fl 32955 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the charity of your choice.