William Edward Cope, 72, of Franklin, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, January 8, 2024.

Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Claude and Charlotte Franks Cope. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Bonnie Cope Carnes. Edward was a member of Windy Gap Baptist Church, the Bass club, and the Hillbilly Hunting Club. He loved to hunt, fish, and to do metal work. Edward enjoyed helping build ramps with the Baptist Mens Group. He was co-owner of Franklin Sheet Metal for many years.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Shirley Tallent Cope; son, Michael Cope and his wife, Melissa; granddaughter, Kristen McHan and her husband, Jake; and one great granddaughter, Marlee McHan, all of Franklin, NC. Edward also has one niece, Lisa Melton of Sylva; Aunt Bonnie of Washington state; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends surviving.

The family will receive friends from 1pm to 2pm on Friday, January 12 at Macon Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 2pm in the chapel of Macon Funeral Home following the visitation. Rev. Mark Bishop and Rev. Eddie Stillwell will officiate. Burial will be in Windy Gap Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jake McHan, Randy Dehart, Rick Dehart, Kenny Melton, Daniel Melton, and Mitchell Bishop. Honorary pallbearers will be LC Browning, Kalen Tallent, Jerry Anderson, and Family and Friends of the Hillybilly Hunting Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Windy Gap Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences can be left at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.