Cope was predeceased by his wives Jane Dwiggins Copeman and Anne Freeman Copeman; son, Buck Freeman Jr.; and sisters Betty Craig and Dell Moody.
A 1952 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a B.S in Civil Engineering, Cope remained involved with the University and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity throughout his life. After a brief career with a railroad, Cope moved to Hot Springs and was employed by Dierks Forests. In 1969, along with colleagues Roy Murphy, L.C. Gaither and Larry Stephens, he co-founded Mid-South Engineering: consultants in the forest, pulp and paper industry. Cope retired in 2005 from the company.
Cope enjoyed the lake, fishing and golf. He was a proud Charter Member of LOCA, the Lake Ouachita Camping Association, as well as, Garvan Gardens.
Surviving Cope are his dog, “Brown;” his daughters Jamie Freeman Lax (Alan) of Hot Springs and Katherine Freeman (Marilyn Gardner) of Sante Fe, NM; nieces Deborah Erickson of Solano Beach, CA and Brenda Jacoby of Houston, TX; grandchildren Kate Fox, Anne Fox and Aaron Lax (Alicia); great grandchildren Damian Berry and Nevaeh Lax; his church family at First United Methodist; and also the beautiful people whose care allowed both him and Anne dignity, love, and peace during their transition - Jenny Olson, Linda Middleton, Annie Seidel, Milagros Rosa and Tabitha Gonzalez.
