Eddie Ray Cope

Eddie Ray Cope, age 75, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Eddie was born June 28, 1942 to Edd and Willa Mae Cope in Mersaid ,CA.

Eddie very much enjoyed his job as a cross country truck driver most all of his life until he was forced to retire due to health issues. Eddie loved his family so much and kept everyone entertained with his exciting stories of his life on the road and growing up in Bates, AR. He cherished spending as much time as he could with his family and friends but what brought him the most joy was his grandchildren.

Eddie leaves behind to cherish his memory, three daughters: Stephanie Lowery and husband Ron, of Paris, Arkansas, Shannon Slater and husband Mick, of Waldron, Arkansas, Melissa Sandoval and husband Gabriel of Waldron, Arkansas. He will forever remain in the hearts of his 14 grandchildren: Jerad Owens, Jace Owens and Kyla Owens. Brittany Bartlett, Alex Slater. Zakk Wilkins, Lyric Nordin, Lakelynn Nordin, George Nordin, Shyloh Nordin. Jade Ingle , Adrianna Ingle, Gabriela Sandoval and Donovan Sandoval, one sister, Vema Henderson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as 11 great grandchildren, 17 nieces and nephews, some of which called him their favorite uncle. Eddie is survived by his stepchildren who still loved him like he was their dad: Everett & Peggy Simpson of Antlers, Oklahoma, Glenn and Vickie Simpson of Heavener, Oklahoma, Holllis and Debra Simpson of Antlers, Oklahoma, Kenya Simpson of Woodland Washington, Ashley Hole of Peanut Ridge, Arkansas and 17 step grandchildren and 28 step grandchildren. a host of friends, neighbors and in laws and other loved ones too many to mention.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Edd and Mae Cope, one daughter, Dianna Cope Nordin, one grandson, Tylon Wilkins and one step daughter, Marie Simpson, siblings, Sally Hill, Bobbie Sue Cope, Sharon Gray and Billy Joe Cope Sr.

The family is requesting, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to his bank account at Community National Bank in Waldron to help pay final expenses.

Eddie's memorial service will be held in his honor on Monday, January 22 at 2:00 pm at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Doyle Reynolds officiating. Interment will be at Gibson Cemetery at Bates, Arkansas.