David Earl Pope, 79, of Pinehurst went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, December 13th, from First Health Hospice House in Pinehurst. His wife Belinda Bryant Pope was by his side.
David was born at home in Fuquay-Varina on October 10, 1944, a son of the late Joffre Pope and Mary Tiley Pope. He attended Fuquay Springs High School, where he played basketball and baseball. He played the bass clarinet in the marching band and concert band. David worked for the US Postal Service for 30 years before retiring. He served as a member of the Triangle Officials Association for 30 years and officiated football, baseball and basketball. David loved and cherished coaching his players on the girls’ basketball teams at New Century Middle School and Union Pines High School. He spent 15 years encouraging each of them to be the best person they could be throughout life. Together David and Belinda were among the most avid followers of all Duke athletics. Along with Mike Ingram and Jim Norton, David and Belinda played many rounds of golf as half of this original foursome. As a charter member of First Baptist Church – Pinehurst, David served several years as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for the youth Class.
In addition to his wife of 40 years, Belinda Bryant Pope, David is survived by; sons Michael Pope (Lavette), Jeff Pope (Ellen), and daughter Christy Arnold, (L.E.) all of Fuquay-Varina; a sister, Joyce P. Stuart (Ricky); grandchildren, Brian Pope, April Pope, Brittany Arnold and Lonnie Arnold; one great grandchild River Pope; a special nephew, Mark Puryear; and several nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his brother, J.G. Pope, and sister Janet Blalock.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the Hospice House nurses and staff and the field hospice nurses, Michelle (RN), Lanney (RN) and Paula (nursing assistant).
Visitation will be Saturday, December 23rd, 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Pinehurst. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 AM and a reception will follow. A graveside service will be held at Wake Chapel Cemetery, Fuquay-Varina at 3:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one of the following, First Baptist Church, Pinehurst, P.O. Box 5941, Pinehurst, NC 28374, First Health Hospice & Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or Union Pines High School, Girls Basketball Programs, 1981 Union Church Road, Cameron, NC 28326
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.
