Georgetown, SC Stuart C Hope Sr, Age 81, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2012, surrounded by his family at home in Debordieu Colony, SC. He was born in Columbia, SC to James H Hope, former SC State Superintendent of Education, and Wilhelmina (Mena) Grimsley Hope who owned the Friendly Cafeteria and later co-owned and operated the Cassena Inn in Pawley's Island, SC. He graduated from Dreher High School, attended the University of SC , and was a US Navy veteran. A man that always did things his way, he started his business career at age 7, selling newspapers at Ft Jackson and went on to found Hope Aviation Insurance, an early pioneer in national aviation insurance brokerage. Along the way, he enjoyed politics and was elected to the Richland County Board of Administrators (the predecessor to Richland County Council) where he was instrumental in supporting the creation of Richland Memorial Hospital, the Riverbanks Zoo, and Midlands Technical College. Stuart, a member of the Quiet Birdmen, loved flying and was a Multi-Engine rated pilot who owned and operated numerous airplanes. He passed his passion for flying to his family. His 2 sons and daughter, and a grandson and granddaughter are all pilots. A lifelong outdoorsman, he particularly enjoyed spending time simply messing around with his three boats in the creeks and marshes surrounding his home. Ruth, his wife of 32 years, was his constant companion and biggest fan. Their marriage was defined by a pure and sweet love, doting on each other to the end. In the final days of Stuart's life, they enjoyed nothing more than to sit in their two favorite chairs with their Yorkie-Poo daughters in lap, Ruthie and Christie, and talk and read and nap. Stuart was a man of faith, and he valued deeply his Church and his Thursday morning men's Bible study group. For those who had the privilege of knowing him, he would be defined as one of the finest men they knew - Fiercely loyal, kind hearted and full of grace. Stuart is survived by his wife, Ruth Ketner Hope, his children Marion Hope (Judy), Stuart Hope, Jr. (Heidi), Mena Gardiner (David), Linda Ketner and Robert Ketner (Leslie Dunne Sadler), a sister, Martha Hope Tennant, and grandchildren Shannon Hope (Gretchen Snyder), Erin Hope (Steve Marino), Parks and Alex Gardiner, Graham Hope, and Rob, Andrew, Margaux, & Maddie Ketner. Stuart is also survived by: his former wife, Bunny Butler Hope. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan 31 from 4 – 6 pm at the Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home, 222 St. James Street, Georgetown, SC 29440. A memorial service for Stuart will be held at All Saints Church located at 3560 Kings River Road, Pawley's Island SC 29585 on Wednesday February 1, 2012 at 2pm preceded by a private burial service with the family. Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Teach My People, PO Box 2848, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. Funeral Home: Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home 222 Saint James Street Georgetown, SC US 29440