Jose Lopez

1951 - 2024

José E. Lopez, age 73, of Cowpens, SC, husband of Margaret Wyant Lopez for 48 years, "Our knight in shining armor", left this earth to go to his Heavenly home on the morning of September 23rd, 2024.

José's greatest love in life was his family. From a young age, he took care of his family by any means necessary, and that extended through his whole life after starting his own family.

José was born in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico on February 11th, 1951, to a loving and humble family. At the age of 11, he worked in the sugarcane fields with his brothers and sisters. At 14, he started working in a gas station with his brother-in-law. He was never afraid of hard work. As much as he worked, he loved to have fun. He loved bareback riding horses, watching chicken fights, and sparring with friends as he dreamed of being a boxer. With no access to water at home, you could catch him bathing in rivers because he didn't like the ocean.

José's tireless work ethic continued as he took on more demanding jobs even after moving to New Jersey at the age of 19. He worked his way down to South Carolina, where in 1976, he met the love of his life, Margaret, who was working in a Burger King when he met her. Together, they had 3 children: José F. Lopez, Antonio E. Lopez, and Valerie Pearson. Those children gave them their 7 grandchildren: Antonio, Alexus, Elijah, Jalivia, Jada, Carmen, and José F. Jr. The most recent addition to his family, his only great granddaughter, his beautiful ray of sunshine, Anaiese, was born in March of this year.

José worked the fields of Sunny Slope for many years until working for Nestlé, where he worked until he retired. Before and after retiring, he enjoyed the outdoors and loved the rain. When able, he enjoyed visiting New York, Virginia, and Puerto Rico to visit his sisters that he loved so dearly. He loved animals and birds, but most of all, Zeus aka Mofungo, his dog that never left his side.

José was a dedicated son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother-in-law, and friend to many. He was selfless, hard-working, and the amazing type of person that would give you the shirt off of his back.

He was predeceased by his father, Jaciento Cotto and his mother, Carmela Lopez Nunez and two sisters, Margarita and Evangelista. He was also predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law Grace and Frank Daniels, and a few brother-in-laws. He is survived by 2 brothers, Jaciento and Luis, and 4 sisters, Matilda, Anna, Maria, and Rosita. He is also survived by many brotherin laws, sister-in-laws, and several nieces and nephews, including his special nephew, Eduardo Colon.

José honored and cherished family above everything. They were his world and purpose. He promised to love, provide for, and protect his beautiful wife and family, and that he did until his last breath.

José's celebration of life will be held at Skylyn United Methodist Church on October 5th, 2024, from 11am to 1pm. The address is 1415 Skylyn Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

Fly high, my love, until we meet again. I will never not remember you.