Albert Ray Hope, Jr.

Albert Ray Hope, Jr., (Junior) age 93,  of Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Henderson, Kentucky went peacefully to be with our Lord on February 16, 2018 at his daughter’s home in Dallas, Texas.  Albert was born September 21, 1924 near the Green River in  Muhlenberg County, Ky.    Al worked hard and played hard.  He loved bowling, boating, water skiing, and fishing.   He retired after 30 years of service from Whirlpool Corporation, finishing his career as Superintendent.   After he retired, he took his beloved bride to Sarasota, Florida where they spent more than 35 wonderful years enjoying family, friends and fishing.  Albert loved life and was a blessing to everyone he touched.  His Christian spirit was ever-present.  He was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Sarasota, Florida and previously a longtime member and deacon of Finley Baptist Church in Henderson, Ky. Albert was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Martha Jean; his parents, Ellis Albert and Lena Mae Hope; sisters, Albertine Johnson and Willa Dean Ellison; and brothers, Thermon E. Hope,  James C. Hope and Gilbert H. Hope. Survivors include:  his three children;  Margaret (Peggy) Lee Fulkerson, husband Michael Alan Fulkerson of Fernandina Beach, FL and their daughters, Rebecca A. Bain and Jennifer J. Scheel; Timothy Allen Hope, wife Joy Ann Powell Hope of Granbury, TX  and their  children, Matthew A. Hope, Mark E. Hope, Melissa J. Hope and   Laura Shapard of Dallas, TX and her daughters, Lena E. Anderson, Jenna L. Conn as well as his beloved sister, Reva Lois Williams of Evansville, IN.  Additionally, Albert’s family was blessed with 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, who each loved him dearly. Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life from 4:00pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, February 24th, and again on Sunday, starting at 12:30 pm at Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson, Ky.   The funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at the funeral home with the Reverends  Dr. John Conn and Jeffery Burke officiating.  Burial services following the ceremony at Fairmont Cemetery.  Donations of sympathy may also be made to Finley Baptist Church. Pallbearers:  Matthew Allen Hope,  Mark Ellis Hope,  Ian Bain, Keegan Danny Scheel, Robert S. Shapard,  John David Conn,  Alan Williams, Honorary Pallbears:  Greg Anderson, Denny Ray Mackey, John Mackey, Dale Mackey, Greg Hope. Keith Hope, Mike Hope, Jeff Hope, Larry Ellison, Jr., Anthony McBride, Brian Johnson, Willie Hyde, John Hyde and Michael Hyde.