He was a graduate of Union Springs High School where he was a 3- sport letterman, and Valedictorian. He attended the University of Alabama where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He received his training in Neurosurgery at the Mayo Clinic where he served as the Chief Resident and subsequently moved to Mobile where he had a long career in Neurosurgery. He later worked at the Mobile Infirmary as Medical Director for several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W. Frank Cope and Mildred Creswell Cope as well as his son, William Frank "Buff" Cope, III. His survivors include, his beloved wife of 66 years, Patricia Bennett Cope; his children Stephen Bennett (Mary) Cope, Melissa Cope (Clifton) Morrissette, and Collin Creswell (Debbie) Cope; grandchildren, Stephen Bennett (Holly) Cope, Matthew Wilton (Anne Elizabeth) Cope; Frank Colyer (Tanieka) Cope, Andrew Russell Cope, Clifton Inge Morrissette, Jr., William Frank Cope Morrissette, Seline Vaughan Morrissette, Collin Creswell (Brittany) Cope, Jr., and Elizabeth Colyer Cope. He had 5 great grandchildren and numerous friends, and relatives.
Frank was known for his quick wit and dry humor, he was a mentor to many, he loved writing, travel, singing, photography, woodworking, and Alabama Football. He attended Saint Paul's Episcopal Church and was a member of several mystic organizations. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the care given by Loving Hands Sitting Service, LLC. - Tenesha, Necole, LaShonda, Juliette, Cedora and Olivia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Frank's name to Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, 4051 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36608; the Mobile Infirmary Foundation, P. O. Box 2226, Mobile, AL 36652; or the Historic Restoration Society, Inc., P O Box 1566, Mobile, AL 36633. The family will hold a private family service at Pinecrest Cemetery.
