In Loving Memory of John Raymond Cope
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Raymond Cope, a long-time member of the Newport News community. John lived a full and joyful life for 95 years, touching the lives of many through his humor, wisdom, unwavering kindness, and dedication to family and friends.
Early Life
John was born on October 28, 1929, to Curtis and Lillian Mae Cope in Lexington, North Carolina. He had one older sister, Doris. When John was 12 years old, his family moved to the East End of Newport News. He spent his teenage years as part of a group of life-long friends known as the “Blue Devils”. He excelled at sports and participated in the Boy Scouts, eventually obtaining the designation of Eagle Scout. In 1947 he graduated from Newport News High School.
In 1948, John became engaged to literally “the girl next door” – Betty Joyce Pittman – and in 1952 they were married.
John joined the US Navy in 1951, where he became a first-class petty officer. He served for four years during the Korean War.
Education and Career
John continued his education as an electrician apprentice at the Newport News Shipyard’s Apprentice School where he also competed on the wrestling and baseball teams. He eventually obtained his Master Electrician License. He also obtained a degree in Metallurgical Engineering Technology through the International Correspondence School and studied computer science through continuing education classes at Christopher Newport College and the University of Virginia.
John joined the Shipyard in 1955 where he pioneered numerous developments in the Navy’s ultrasonic and eddy-current testing programs and eventually became the Shipyard’s Chief Inspection Supervisor and first-ever Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Level 3 Examiner. He earned national recognition for his accomplishments in the field of NDT and was elected to the national Board of Directors of the American Society of Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT). He retired from the Shipyard in 1992.
Family and Community
For 72 years, John and Betty Joyce built a life together filled with love and companionship. They were blessed with two sons. John’s role as a parent was marked by unconditional love, support, and guidance, and he left a legacy of the importance of family for their two sons to carry forward.
John was a life-long member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee, taught Sunday school, was chairman of the property and grounds committee, and supervised construction of the parsonage.
After retirement John volunteered as a docent at the Mariners Museum for many years.
John loved all sports and excelled at whatever he put his mind to, most notably baseball, table tennis, and golf. And for more than a decade he coached his sons – along with dozens of other kids – in baseball and basketball leagues throughout Newport News. He was a life-long fan of the Duke Blue-Devils, North Caroline Tar-Heels, and the New York Yankees.
Legacy and Memory
John’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him. He is survived by his wife Betty Joyce of Newport News; his son Johnny and fiancé Mary Gibson of Newport News; his son Steven and wife Jeanne Hassenboehler Cope of Houston, Texas; his grandchildren Mackenzie Cope of Newport News; Curtis Cope of Newport News; Danielle Cope Waterman and husband Mathew Waterman of Corpus Christi, Texas; Colette Cope of Houston, Texas; and his great grandson, Shepard “Shep” Suttle of Newport News. He is predeceased by his parents, sister, and daughter-in-law Debra Rodman Cope.
As we reflect on John’s life, we remember the ever-present humor, wisdom, and love he brought to the world, and the love and dedication he showed to his wife and family.
Memorial Service
A celebration of John’s life will be held on May 13th at 11 am with a memorial service and reception at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church, Newport News. Friends, family, and all whose lives were touched by John are invited to join in remembering and honoring his remarkable journey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church or the Mariners Museum.
