Fred James Shope, a longtime resident and business owner in Gainesville, GA passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2021. He was born April 12, 1931 in Dahlonega, GA and was the son of the late Arch Mance Shope and Maud Elizabeth Mason from Blairsville, GA.
Fred was married to MaryAnn Abercrombie for 52 years and next week would have actually been their 53rd wedding anniversary. They had two children together. Fred was the youngest and last remaining child of 10 children.
He was preceded in death by two half siblings; Ella Wilson & Wrestle Shope; 8 full siblings; Ida Wilson, Edna Grizzle, Vennie Graham, Edith Grizzle, Blanche Keith, Gertrude Holland and Verdell Jordan.
He is survived by five children, son and daughter-in-law, Clayton & Carolyn Shope, daughter and son-in-law, Debra & Rudy Tomlin, son and daughter-in-law, Don & June Shope, daughters, Monie Shope and Killie McCauley; 6 Grandchildren, Anthony Shope, Stacey Austin, Dustin Shope, Halie Shope, Kassie McCauley & Jolie McCauley; 5 Great Grandchildren, Clay Shope & Carlee Shope, Trace Austin, Olivia Shope & Valerie Shope.
Fred was a huge family man with an extreme work ethic. Family always came first! Fred was also a well-respected businessman in the Gainesville community for many years. Early in his career, he worked in the poultry industry at Gainesville Machinery until owning his own business. He then opened up and ran a family automotive repair & tire shop for over 4 decades called Shope’s Tire & Automotive. Fred was a lifelong gardener, avid hunter and fisherman that loved being outdoors. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Visitation will be Saturday July 10, 2021 from 2-4 p.m. at Little & Davenport Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 4:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. J. D. Sosebee officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Hwy, SW Gainesville Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.