of Brookland, AR

June 27, 1944 - February 12, 2025

Obituary written by the family.

Gary Allen Cope was born June 27, 1944 in Salinas, California. He was the 9th of 12 children. Gary passed from this world into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at his home in Brookland, Arkansas, surrounded by his loving family and friend, Darlene. The family said he was laughing as he got his first glimpse of Heaven.

Gary moved to northeast Arkansas in the winter of 1951. As a child, he became known as a ''Hard Head'' when he went head-to-head with an old billy goat that belonged to the family. The billy goat won, but Gary became known as ''Ole Hard Head''. His family continued to call him that throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and MaeHaley (Greenfield) Cope; siblings, Dewey Cope, Jr., Paul Cope, Joseph Cope, Bobby Cope, Freda Maynard, Reba Moore, Mary Pyburn and Jerry Cope and his beloved wife, Gelenda (Richardson) Cope.

Gary was helping to build the Needham Assembly of God Church in 1967, trying desperately to get it built before his and Gelenda's wedding. It wasn't finished in time, so Gary and Gelenda were married in 1968 at her mother's house. The church was later called New Life Church and the Cope's attended their married life.

Surviving Gary is one daughter, Kristi Young (George) of Brookland, Arkansas. He was Papaw to Jeremy Young (Rachel), Mary Catherine Brown (Colton) and Ashton Malone (Sam) and five great-grandchildren, River, Raylee, Ryker, Sutton and Wiley.

He is also survived by three brothers, Roger Cope (Anna), Bill Cope (Rilla) and Terry Cope. Gary grew up in a large but close family. He was known as the instigator, Roger and Bill were the talkers and Terry could never get in a word.

Gary worked at Pepsi from 1966-2007, a total of 44 years, where many said that he was one of the hardest workers ever employed. He was rarely absent, if ever. His daughter, Kristi recalls that in their home, ''Coke'' was a dirty word. Her dad knew who signed his paycheck and only Pepsi was allowed in their house.

Gary was always up for a round of arm wrestling, where he beat anyone who challenged him. He was an avid coon hunter. His favorite coon dogs were Pete, Rebel and Bandit. He may have shed a tear when Bandit succumbed to a fight with a raccoon in the St. Francis River.

Gary loved the St. Louis Cardinals and could tell you the players names. He even loved playing Bingo with all his friends at AMVETS in Jonesboro. They were friends that were more like family.

Gary and Gelenda adored their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would take them on four-wheeler rides with the dogs and a BB gun. The kids enjoyed a swing hanging from a tree. Gary would yell ''Do you want the Arkansas Twist?'' They did!!

Gary leaves behind a great family friend, Darlene Wilson. Darlene was there for him to the end.

Gary Cope loved his family, worked hard and was a faithful servant of God. His family and friends will miss him but are comforted in knowing that Gary is with Gelenda and many loved ones who have gone before him.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025 at 2pm at Roller Farmers Union Funeral Home (1900 W. Washington Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401) with Brother Melvan Davis and Brother Dale Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Log Cemetery in Brookland.

A visitation will precede the service beginning at 1pm at the funeral Home.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Scott Cope, Justin Cope, Phil Chism, Spencer Wyatt, Tanner Wyatt and Stan Jones.


Arrangements are under the care of Roller Farmers Union Funeral Home.

Sign Guestbook

8 Condolence(s)