March 18, 1930 – May 29, 2012 Billy Forest Cope passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at his residence in Valley View. He was born March 18, 1930 in Kamay, Texas to Ed Caston Cope and Frankie M. Cope. Billy was a graduate of Wichita High School, Wichita Falls, Texas, class of 1948. He served in the US Navy during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged on October 2, 1954. Billy married Bertie Stoneman on April 19, 1957. He loved automobiles, from hot rods in his teens to new and used cars. Billy started as a salesman for Melvin Roberts Oldsmobile in 1957, moved to Dallas and became General Sales Manager for Roberts Buick from 1963 – 1973. His success led him to become General Manager for Leon McNatt Cadillac and Oldsmobile in Denton, Texas from 1973 – 1976. He retired from the big city to start Billy Cope Motor Company in Gainesville, Texas and retired in 1992.
Billy loved to dance and was usually the center of attention on the dance floor. He was always a happy person, with a sharp sense of humor that made everyone laugh. He is loved and will be missed by his many friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Bobby W. Cope; brother, Morris E. Cope; father, Ed Caston Cope and mother, Frankie (Dangler) Cope.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-five years, Bertie Cope; sons and daughters-in-law, Billy W. Cope and Susan Seaborn of Denton and John C. Cope and Sohnya of Corinth; son, Bobby D. Cope of Valley View; daughter and son-in-law, Caran Cope Fahy and Timothy of Newport Beach, CA; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson and sister, Erma Jean Samsill of Burleson.
Funeral services for Billy Cope are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 2nd at Meador-Clement-Keel Chapel with interment following in Valley View Cemetery. Visitation will be 7:00 รข?? 8:00 p.m. Friday at Meador-Clement-Keel Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Valley View Cemetery Association P.O. Box 366 Valley View, Texas 76272.
To sign the online registry go to www.clementkeelfh.com.