Carol Lynne Cape
June 25, 1937 ~ June 19, 2025
Born in:
Tampa, Florida
Resided in:
Fletcher, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailTo say Carol Cape was from Surfside Beach South Carolina or Tampa Florida would be incorrect; Carol was born a wandering soul. On June 16, 2025, she began her final earthly journey. Her personal motto, shared often and lived fully, was: “Bloom where you’re planted.” And bloom she did.
Born in Tampa, Florida, on June 25, 1937, Carol Lynne McWhirter spent her early years in the Tampa and Indian Rocks Beach area, enjoying the many beautiful homes and the grand Bayshore Royal Hotel her family owned. Her love of travel started young. She attended St Mary’s School for Girls in Raleigh, North Carolina, and after graduating she went to the University of Georgia—where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Cape, who played football for UGA. They soon eloped and began their lifelong adventure together when Bob joined the United States Air Force.
Their travels spanned the globe, including time in Okinawa, Japan; Fulda, Germany; and Aviano, Italy. Carol’s passion for history and culture was evident in the way she explored and shared stories of the places she visited. She always found beauty in her surroundings and delighted in passing that joy on to others.
In 1975, Carol and Bob moved to South Carolina, where Bob was stationed at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. They fell in love with the area and decided to call Surfside Beach their permanent home. After Bob’s passing in 2008, Carol continued her travels with other family—most often with her mother Murrell McWhirter, aunt Rosemary Arnim, cousin June Moore, and sister Linda Williams. They traveled by air, train, ship, car, camel, and donkey—to every corner of the world.
When not traveling, Carol was a vibrant presence in her community. She worked in real estate, was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, participated in several book clubs, sang in the Church of the Resurrection’s choir, and contributed to the study group, Altar Guild, and Episcopal Church Women (ECW), where she served as a past president. She also cherished her experience as a member of Cursillo #149.
In 2017, Carol moved to Lecanto, Florida, then realized she missed her friends and life she’d left behind, so returned to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 2021, and finally to Asheville, North Carolina where Robin provided love, guidance and support for her final years.
Though our hearts are heavy, we are deeply grateful for the memories and life lessons Carol gave us—her zest for adventure, her fearlessness in the face of the unknown, and her enduring love.
Carol is survived by her loving family; her children and their partners – Robin & Bruce, John & Sa, and Kim & Nick; Seven grandchildren – Katie, Dani, Casey, Django, Michelle, Ashley, and Lucy; Four great-grandchildren – Aurora, Emmet, Hudson, and Weston; and her beloved sister, Linda Williams.
A Celebration of Life will be held this fall in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, to honor Carol’s remarkable journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s name may be made to the caring staff at Silverbell Homestead https://silverbellhomestead.com, Hospice in Fletcher/Asheville, NC, or local services in Surfside Beach.
A life truly well lived.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
With much fondness and love…
Dave, Mariam, Nicholas and Tamara Paddock