Obituary of John Pope

John W. Pope Mr. Pope, 81, of Charlotte, NC, entered in to the eternal presence of the ?Joys of his Lord?, February 8, 2012 at his residence. He was born in Bond County, Donnellson, IL on May 31, 1930 to S. Eldred and Jewell Wright Pope. He served in the US Navy from September 16, 1947 until he retired on July 1, 1971. His Naval career included serving on the USS Cabot Midway, USS Saratoga, USS Lexington, USS Ranger, and the USS Ticonderoga. He was with two Fighter and one Attack Squadron and proudly served his nation during the Viet Nam War off the coast of the Gulf of Tonka. He also served with the 7th Fleet near North Korea in a show of force during the capture of the USS Pablo. While in St. Louis, MO, John met and married Margaret Ann (Marge) Stagner who preceded him in death in August 1981. They were proud parents of three children, Cheryl Pope McCall of Omaha, NE, The Reverend Dr. John Pope Jr. and his wife, Linda of Green Acres, Fl and Linda Pope LaFitte of Asheville, NC. In June of 1984 John married Ann Ashby Cook, acquiring three more sons, Dixon C. Cook and his wife Caroline, Thomas H. Cook and his wife, Marlene and John O. Cook. Mr. Pope was also blessed by 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren of whom he was considered a ?second Dad?. There are also numerous nieces and nephews to cherish his memory. In addition to his parents, Mr. Pope was preceded in death by two brothers, Ruel Eldred Pope and Richard Dean Pope. He is survived by two brothers, Robert Joe Pope and Thomas Emery Pope, both of Granite City, Il. Mr. Pope was a member of Midwood Baptist Church serving as a Deacon, a member of the Choir and a member of the Elise Davis Sunday School Class. John?s life was enriched with his love for ?Jesus?! Mr. Pope was raised a Master Mason and was Past Master of Excelsior Lodge #261. He was a Past Royal Patron of Carolina Court #10 and a Past Grand Royal Patron of the Grand Court of North Carolina of the Order of the Amaranth. He was a Past Patron of Mizha Chapter #36 Order of the Easter Star and Past Watchman of the Shepherds of Areme Shrine #3 Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. John was also a member of the Charlotte York Rite Bodies. John was a ?Friend? to everyone he met. His servant heart was displayed in his humbleness always saying, ?I didn?t do that much!? He remains ?Sweet in our Memory? by countless friends! Memorial service will be 2:00 PM Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Midwood Baptist Church with visitation following in the fellowship hall at the church. The members of the Excelsior Lodge will be honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be sent to Midwood Baptist Church, 2029 Mecklenburg Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 or to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.