Lucien W. Hope, Jr. “Buzz”, 88, of Knoxville, TN passed away on January 25, 2023, at the UT Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. His calm passing came after several days suffering from bilateral pneumonia.
He was the eldest son of the late Lucien W. Hope and Ruth M. Hope and was born on July 19, 1934, in Atlanta, GA as a 6th generation Atlantan. He was predeceased by his siblings Barbara Hope Hancock, R. Lawson Hope, and Sally Hope Stancil. His proudest achievement was marrying his high school sweetheart, Marie Jett Hope, on June 16, 1956, after a storybook courtship that began in 1950 when they attended North Fulton High School.
Buzz is survived by his wife Marie, son Lucien W. Hope III “Trip”, daughter Julie Mirts, brother Martin Hope (Betty Jo), and brother-in-law Gardner M. Jett (Jane). Granddaughters Dorothy Hope Faulkenberry (Nathaniel) and Hope Mirts Cox (Taylor) as well as 6 great-grandchildren, Isabella, Adelaide, Sebastian, and Zachariah Faulkenberry and Wyatt and Charlie Mae Cox will always lovingly remember their “Granddang”. He also claimed Hazen Mirts (Brettany) and Whitney Mirts King (John Mark) and their children as his own.
Buzz graduated from Davidson College, where he lettered in Varsity Baseball setting several records which still stand, and earned his Masters degree from Iowa State University. He was an avid sportsman who loved fishing, golfing, and softball, as well as being a fan of many sports. Buzz was known for his strong competitive edge which revealed itself in sports, but also in card games, particularly when playing with his family.
His professional life took Buzz and Marie on many adventures in this hemisphere. They lived in Louisville, KY; Venice, FL; Lima, Peru SA; Ames, IA; Miami, FL; and, Atlanta, GA where they resided until a year and a half ago before moving to Knoxville. Buzz was the Director of Training in the State of Georgia Department of Corrections. Upon retirement, Buzz and Marie were very active in the Elfun Society, a service organization which traveled the United States refurbishing national landmarks and restoring historical treasures. He also traveled extensively for pleasure, taking many trips with friends and family.
His family is very thankful for all of the expressions of love and support that they have received during this difficult time. They request that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Wears Valley Ranch, 100 One Fine Pl, Sevierville, TN 37862. Receiving of friends will be from 5:00-6:00pm at Rose Funeral & Cremation – Mann, 6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 on Monday, January 30, 2023. A memorial service will immediately follow in the chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.