Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..
Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Samuel “Sam” Loraine Cope, 87, of Brevard, passed away at Tore’s House #3 the morning of Aug. 25, 2022.
He was a well-loved professor of theater and music at Brevard College for 29 years. The theater productions he directed with his students were a cultural highlight for students and community members alike. Part of his legacy was restoring an old barn to create the Barn Theatre. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he learned to play piano and organ. He began his career as a church organist in high school at Liberty United Methodist Church in Mocksville, N.C. His final post, which he held for almost 40 years, was at Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers. One of his greatest joys was music.
He was a real-life Santa Claus and often donned the red and white suit for college and community events. His magnificent white beard, rounded middle and jolly nature made him an obvious choice. His family knew he didn’t need the suit because he was the real thing. Children would excitedly point and whisper whenever they saw him. One young fellow ran up to him and pulled on his shirt tail. When he said “hello,” the little boy said, “I’ve been good, sir. I’ve been REAL good!”
He was a musician, actor, artist and gardener. Everything he made (pottery, stained glass, copper enameling, macrame, needle crafts, basket weaving, jewelry, and paintings) expressed his love of life. His custom-designed and superbly dressed teddy bears were legendary. Each bear came with its number on a clay heart necklace and a small tag that read Bears by Sam.
His horribly bad pun-filled jokes were also legendary and he shared them eagerly with everyone. You could tell when he had a new joke to tell from the twinkle in his eye. The joy he found in telling you each new joke was a ray of sunshine for your day and the memory of those smiles will be forever in our hearts.
He was a best friend, loving husband, quiet leader, dedicated teacher, empathetic listener, lifelong learner, talented artist, musician, comedian, philosopher and the very best dad. He excelled at being his true self and inspired everyone around him.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, seamstress, quilter, and co-hobbyist, Claire Pinkerton Cope; sister, Marie Ellis (Fred), of Mocksville, N.C.; brother, David Cope (Cheryl), of Baton Rouge, La.; three daughters, Katherine Louise Cope, Deborah Lynn Aiken (Clayton) and Carol Loraine Lowe (Dennis) and a son, Anthony Lane Cope (Susan); two granddaughters, McLean Annette and Logan Elizabeth; his trusted companion Spring; and over 850 handcrafted teddy bears.
He will be missed terribly by all. Though life will be a little less grand without him, he was ready for a new and larger canvas to create joy.
"When we meet again, I fully expect to see every angel with their own teddy bear."
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.
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