Don Edwin Shope

Don Edwin Shope, age 93, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026 at home, surrounded by his family. He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2022 and fought courageously to continue the best life possible until his last breath.

Don was a native of Franklin, North Carolina. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War conflict and remained a steadfast patriot throughout his entire life. After being discharged from the Army, Don returned to Franklin, where he began his manufacturing career with Burlington Industries. In 1955, he met and married Cleta Belle Daves, also from Franklin. The couple remained in Franklin where they had three daughters, until Burlington transferred him to Alabama in 1963. He later moved into management at Skyland International in Chattanooga, TN, where he worked until his retirement in 1999.

In addition to his career, Don was a skilled craftsman with formal coursework in electrical technology and a natural talent for carpentry, mechanics and home repair. Together with Cleta, they built their family home and raised their daughters with determination, a strong work ethic, and faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. He was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He loved the mountains, fishing, and teaching his heirs skills as well as sharing stories of his childhood. He was an avid reader and dedicated many hours researching his ancestry. He loved history, world events, and annual trips with the “Original Five”.

Don was a member of Hixson United Methodist Church, the American Legion, and the Sierra Club. He volunteered at the National Cemetery in the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Prioleau and Queenie Shope; his brothers, Billy and Bobby Shope; his sister, Betty Dalton; and his grandson, William Beckman IV.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Cleta Daves Shope; three daughters, Sabrina Shope Beckman, Donna Shope Dowlen and Jane Shope Peterson; 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Wayne Shope, a sister Thelma Cochran, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home-North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN on Wednesday July 29, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The funeral service will begin at 12:30 p.m. at North Chapel. Graveside services with Army Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Avenue, Chattanooga.

Donations may be made to the American Lung Association in honor of Don Shope. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com