Ralph E. “Gene” Shope, 82, of Plant City, died Nov. 16, 2016.
He was born May 9, 1934, in Vonore, Tennessee. He was a retired master sergeant with the United States Air Force and vice president of installment loans with the First Florida Bank in Plant City. He was a team member at Pasco Motors, Bell Chevrolet and Hopewell Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Plant City. He lived his life for God, family and country.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lynn Shope; daughters, Sherry Baldwin (Tom) and Tammy Harrington (Steve); grandchildren, Melissa “Missy” Connell (Mike) and Alexandria, Madison and Olivia Harrington; great-grandchildren, McKenzie Griffin, Shawn Maddox and Murphy Connell; siblings, Doyle Shope (Mary) and Nina Lee; and many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Melinda Shope; and grandson, Patrick Harrington.
A celebration of life was held Nov. 21, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City.
Committal with military honors followed at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.
Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the United Food Bank of Plant City, 702 E. Alsobrook St., #H, Plant City, Florida 33563.
Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.