Zeb Cope

Master Sergeant (retired USAF) Zeb Cope, 83, from Hampton, VA went home to be with his mother and father and with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, May 18, 2023, following a long battle with cancer.

Born in Jackson County, NC on September 12, 1939, he was the son of the late Edd “Slim” Cope and Nora Birdell Buchanan Cope of Milton, NC. He is survived by his wife of 58 years: Helen Ann Lewis Cope of Hampton, VA; daughter: Tracy Cope Heath (John) of Woodbridge, VA; son: Edward "Buddy" Clifton Cope (Jeanne) of Lincoln, NE. He was “Pops” to his grandchildren: Tony Heath, Jessica Bander, Mike Heath, Nick Heath, Craig Cope, Marilyn John, and Kevin Cope; and six great grandchildren with one on the way. He is also survived by: his brother, Ted Cope of Wichita Falls, TX; sisters: Shelby Gregory, and Judy Talbard of Ringgold, VA, Vickey Frazier of Sylva, NC, and Carol Windsor of Pittsboro NC.

A 1959 graduate of Bartlett Yancey High School, his lifelong passions were his family, restoring antique cars, as well as being an avid outdoorsman and lifelong hunter.

His 26 year career in the Air Force took him all across the globe in service to his country. During his military time he was exposed to agent orange while in service in Vietnam.

He will be greatly missed by all who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him and learning from his selfless nature, including his buddies in the “Mountain Hill” hunting club.

Funeral services will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hampton, VA on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 with visitation from 1:00 PM -2:00 PM, followed by service and reception. Graveside service with military honors will be held at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Danville, VA on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 1:00 PM.

The family would like express our deepest appreciation to the doctors and staff of VOA, CarePlex Infusion Center, Sentara CarePlex, and Sentara Norfolk General.