Frank Alfred Cupp Sr.

How fitting that as church bells rang on Sunday morning, October 18, 2015, Frank Alfred Cupp Sr. won his life reward and responded to heaven’s call answering, Glory to God! A very special father, grandfather, and friend left us to begin his life with Jesus and join his precious wife, Ruby Epperly Cupp and many other loved ones. Frank Alfred Cupp Sr., of Merrimac, was born on September 1, 1929, to the late George Washington Cupp and Zeffie Thomas Cupp. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Samuel Cupp; and two sisters, Deby Cupp and Ruby C. Linkous.

Born a coal miner’s son, Alfred’s grandfather owned and operated the first general store in Merrimac, where he worked as a young man. Alfred attended school in Merrimac, married the love of his life and brought four children into the world. He worked as a painter by trade at Radford University for over 30 years, retiring in 1991. In addition to working, he spent over 45 years serving the Merrimac Pentecostal Holiness Church as custodian. Many who knew him remember him ringing the church bells on Sunday morning and handing out treat bags to the congregation at Christmas.

Alfred and Ruby were married for 65 years before she passed two and a half years ago. He has spent the latter part of his life surrounded by his “buddy”, also known as his youngest son Rod, riding around in his beloved old pick-up truck for countless hours and making numerous trips to Dudes Drive In for his favorite, a grilled cheese. He was cared for on a daily basis by his son Rod, daughter Brenda and his granddaughter Kim, all of whom he loved dearly. Alfred also enjoyed weekly visits from his grandchildren Kevin and Casey and he would light up like a Christmas tree to play the harmonica with his great-great-grandson Noah or visit with him and Kayla.

Alfred left his family a legacy, one of Christian values and beliefs. To do unto others as you would have them to do unto you and to love everyone. In fact, one of his favorite sayings was, “I love everybody”, and he said it often. He also taught us to be healthy and to eat right and that cleanliness was important, right next to godliness. Fort hese and so many other things, we will forever treasure the impact he has had on our lives.

Left to cherish his memory is a daughter and three sons, Brenda C. Dix and husband Donald of Christiansburg, Frank A. Cupp Jr. and wife Ruth of Christiansburg, Timothy W. Cupp and wife Linda of Fincastle, and Roderick H. Cupp of Christiansburg. In addition to his family, he leaves a special caregiver, Lynn Montgomery and special sweet friend Lorene Beeman. Alfred also leaves behind nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Intrepid Hospice and Kim Monticue. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, from 5-8 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at 2 p.m. at the Merrimac Pentecostal Holiness Church, Blacksburg, with Rev. Jerry Sloss and Rev. Richard L. Hall officiating. Alfred will be laid to rest beside of his wife at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Christiansburg.