Don Harland Cope was born May 5, 1944 at Randolph Field Army-Air Force Base in Texas. Don was the oldest of three children, having two younger sisters – Kathy, who resides in Birmingham, Alabama, and Carol, who went home to be with the Lord in 2018. His parents, John Howard Cope and LaGene Milton Cope, moved their family to Middle Tennessee early in Don’s childhood. 
 

Don spent almost his entire life in Middle Tennessee. He attended Grassland Elementary, West End Junior High and High School (1962) before attending Belmont College. Don was raised in the church by his godly parents, moving from being raised in a Methodist church to embracing the Charismatic movement as a young adult. Don had to enter adulthood early in life when his father passed away before Don’s 15th birthday. He enjoyed a career of working in the family business, the hospitality industry, and the auto industry. 
 

Don and his wife of 52 years, Joyce, have been faithful members of New Song Nashville for close to three decades, and he will be remembered for many things. At New Song Nashville and beyond, Don was Santa Claus to families and children at Christmastime. He was the founder of New Song Nashville’s Seniors Ministry, and he was a fixture at the front door of the church as a greeter who dispensed love and hugs to so many. No one passed through the doors of New Song Nashville without a touch from Don. He was always watching out for others by making hospital visits or just following up on those who had needs. Don’s presence will be greatly missed as his shoes, literally and figuratively, will be hard to fill. 
 

Don is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joyce Rudolph Cope; their three children, Tommy (Jamie), Charity (Danny), and Chris (Cori), 11 adored grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 
 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at New Song Nashville, 316 Southgate Court, Brentwood, Tennessee

on June 30, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.