In the world of tractor pulling, Larry Shope was the Babe Ruth. As the six-time National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) Grand National Pro Stock Champion, Larry pulled to back-to-back wins, two three-peats, as the most winning Pro Stock Puller in the nation. “It never gets old being the winner” he’d quip. Aided by his sons with the mechanical work and his wife as his spotter, Larry took his John Deere 4430 Series “Iron Dragon” to pulls nationwide.
Larry passed away Monday evening June 8, 2015. He was 68.
Born May 1, 1947 in Mount Vernon to Junior and Ruth (Spayde) Shope, he got interest in motorsports as a youth. From go-cart racing, he advanced to lawn tractors. The NTPA circuit took over his life in a great way and he earned an extended family of pullers across the nation along the way. He never missed an invitational.
He enjoyed motorcycling, three-wheeling, and golfing – and had a hole-in-one at Little Apple.
A graduate of Mount Vernon High School, he served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Germany working on demolitions.
Larry had retired as supervisor of the maintenance department, with 35 years of service, with Richland County Highways.
He spent winters in Umatilla, Florida where he was a member of Golden Triangle Florida Lodge 874 Moose and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4491.
A member of AMVETS Post 43 and American Legion Post 535 in Bellville, he treasured his many friendships in the community.
Competitive and mechanically skilled, Larry will be remembered for his championship accomplishments on the NTPA circuit and his sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Susan (Stewart) Shope, whom he married June 23, 1990; his son Darrin (Shannon) Shope of Bellville; step sons Todd Kemp of Butler and Chad Kemp of Canton; grandsons Caleb Shope and Justin Kemp, and his canine companion Chloe.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Linda.
The Shope family will receive friends Thursday, June 11, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, and again Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. where his funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Pastor Patrick Bailey will speak. Burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery where American Legion Post #535 will hold graveside military honors.
Contributions to Jefferson Township-Bellville Rescue Squad may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Larry’s family, send them a note of sympathy, and see Larry tribute video at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
