Edward Gene Cape

Edward Gene Cape, 87 of Gainesville, passed away Sunday, August 13.  Gene was born September 11,1935 and was a lifelong resident of Hall County.  He was the oldest son of the late Nelson and Maudie Mae Shuler Cape.

He was a 1953 graduate of Riverbend High School where he played basketball.  He served in the Army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.  He spent the remainder of his career in Law Enforcement where he served as a Gainesville Policeman, Hall County Sherriff’s Deputy, and Hall County Marshall.

It was his love of basketball that led to him meeting his wife at the New Holland Gym.  He married Joy Cagle in 1959 and went on to raise three sons and a daughter.  He touched the lives of many as he mentored and coached hundreds of youths in basketball and baseball.  He fostered a love of running that he passed on to his children and grandchildren.  His love of sport continued throughout his life as he played Senior Softball into his seventies on teams from Gainesville and Myrtle Beach. Even after he could no longer play, he continued to love cheering on his favorites, The Atlanta Braves.     

Gene was a devoted husband, father and papa.  His favorite thing was being “papa” to his wonderful grandchildren: Bailey, Kate, Caroline, Victoria, Cailee, Daniela, Madalyn Rose, Brady, Cutler and Easton. 

Gene is preceded in death by his oldest son, Edward Gene “Ted” Cape Jr.; his parents; and siblings, Glenn, Geraldine, Alton (Pickle), and Libby. 

Gene is survived by his wife of 64 years Joy Cagle Cape, daughter and son-in-law; Jill (Bobby) Pless of Gainesville, sons and daughters-in-law; Cliff (Sherry) Cape of Gainesville, Bart (Sarah) Cape of Lutz, FL, daughter-in-law; Karen Cape of New York, NY, grandsons; Bailey Pless, Brady Pless, Cutler Cape, Easton Cape, granddaughters; Kate Pless, Caroline Cape, Victoria Cape, Cailee Cape, Daniela Cape and Madalyn Rose Cape.  He is also survived by his sisters Brenda (Keith) Barnes of Cornelia, Linda (Kenny) Adams of Gainesville, Connie (Lem) Foster of Macon and Vickie Lester of Gainesville. 

The family will receive friends Thursday August 17 from 6-8 p.m. at Little & Davenport Funeral Home.   Funeral Services will be Friday August 18, at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Rev. Steve Baker officiating.  Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. 

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

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