Travis, family, and friends,
The year was 1985; U.S. President Ronald Reagan was sworn in for a second term in office, Microsoft Corporation released the first version of Windows 1.0; and the movie "Back to The Future" was a smash it. But above all of that, it was the summer of 1985 when I met T.P. Our paths crossed on a Sunday afternoon at the Dock on the Ross Barnett Reservoir when he pulled up in his bass boat. From that day forward my life changed for the better. We became friends and we had many good times together fishing, cooking and yes we did party too. He was always the first person to arrive for an occasion and he was the last one to leave. He made the most out of his life both professionally and personally.

The reflection on his death makes it a fact that our life is just a vapor, and that reminds me of a Kenny Chesney song "Everybody wants to go to Heaven". That song has lyrics that read "everybody wants to go to heaven and have a mansion high above the clouds, everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to go now". The song goes on to say the reason for this is "we're having to much fun down here" Not only did T.P. know how to have fun down here, most of all, he always shared his many good times with his family and friends.

Diana & I were so blessed to have known him and so grateful to have been invited to his annual Thanksgiving breakfast again this year. We had the chance to visit for a long time even after eating. When the manager came to our table a second time after eating to see if we needed anything, T.P. said "that was our cue to leave".

On Friday, November 27th, I turned over the page of my "Life's Little Instruction Calendar"; it read 
Before you make a big deal out of something, ask yourself, " Will this be important five years from now?" If not, take a deep breath and move on. That was somewhat the philosophy of T.P. because he was never looking back and he was always moving forward and thinking ahead. He said many times 
" don't back up!" Although it is difficult to move forward at a time like this, a deep breath is a comforting thing.

T.P. thanks for the memories and for all of the good times that we had. You made the most of it all.....and yes, we did have fun down here.

With deepest regrets, Hugh Mac

My friend from Murrah High School.  A good boy then who became a good man.

I will never forget this gentle teddy bear and precious man. I met Tom at his famous Harvey Pope fish fry with my BF/his close friend Hugh McWhorter and many many times to follow including his annual Thanksgiving breakfast and our own traditional Christmas Eve lunch just the three of us to exchange gifts   He even threw me a special birthday party I will always cherish!  We love you TP.  Hugh and I will miss you!

Good-night, sweet prince....and what a Prince of a fellow you were! So happy we were classmates at Murrah! Thank you for the times you made me smile, even when I didn't think I could. Thank you for being a lovelight to so many through the years. What a sweet legacy you left us to enrich our lives. You will be missed.

The memories of Tom flood my mind. A formidable adversary in Little League baseball, a cut-up in Murrah Singers, giving Karen Gilfoy all she could handle and;  most recently, my appraiser. I will sorely miss him and always remember him fondly. He now has rest and peace. I loved him as did many.

Kitty,Sweetie,and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don and Wendy Holtsinger

TP was a longtime friend and colleague in the appraisal profession. Always willing to share and help in any way possible. What a great smile and giving spirit. He will be missed immensely. Mike Boteler, Florence, MS

I met Tom in junior high school and he never changed a bit.  He was delightful back then and I was happy to reconnect with him when I was in Mississippi for several years a few years ago.  Always had a huge smile and a story.  Love and prayers to family and friends.

I am sick today and was unable to attend Tom's service today as planned. I've read all the kind works friends and classmates have written about him and they are all true.  I especially like the comment about how he walked jauntily.  I could just picture him.  We graduated from Murrah in 1969 together.  He was a very special man and will be so missed.  I am praying for you, his family.

I grew up with Tom and his family in Briarwood. T.P. was a genuine person and a good friend. He always had a smile and a good attitude. He will be missed by many.

Tom Pope was an eternally positive person- from his smile to words- the world needs more like him and regrettably we not only lost a stalwart to light we lost a mentor as well. 
I was introduced to Tom in the early 90's he had come as a guest to a dove hunt we held- he left best friends- 
God Speed good and faithful servant your time here is done and God has greater things for you. Thank you God for my friend may he rest in peace.

Tom was a good neighbor from the time we moved into the Gateway North neighborhood more than 20 years ago.  Always had a smile and wave as he passed our house on his way to fish or hunt.  A fine friend and great neighbor.   We will miss his smiling face.

Murt and Bobbie Murray

I met Tom in high school.  I loved watching him walk down the hall with that Jaunty attitude he had.  He was such a delightful guy, with the most charming smile, and an exuberant personality that was irresistible.

TP was a pleasure to be around.  He made you feel good about yourself before he thought of himself.  Archie was a one of a kind and so was TP and so are you STINGER. He raised you to be one of a kind and to be kind to all. Travis you could not have been loved more.  WHEW ITS HOT IN HERE....times like that were made because your Dad wanted to be with you at all times and loved taking you and your friends to the camp or a ballgame.  I would text him or send a email and just put AHHHAHHHHHAHHHHAHHH we both knew that his life was larger than life. All us old guys are there for you anytime you need us.  TP might be at a gas station in Heaven getting a hamburger and driving off with the gas hose attached to his truck.....thinking everyone was being nice and waving at him.....not pointing at the gas hose dragging behind him. Love TP and you Travis my prayers and heart are with both of you.

Thoughts and prayers to TP's family and friends. May God's grace see you through.  Clayton enjoyed hunting with Tom and hearing about his outdoor adventures. Thank you for being his friend. Barbara and Clayton Pepper

My thoughts and prayers to Tom's family and extended family.

I met Tom and his dad in 1980. I knew immediately that they were good people. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. 
            Linda McCollum

Tom was a classmate, dear friend and great appraiser. Every time I passed his home on my way to my sister Jacqueline's on Lakeshore I would look for him; always enjoyed our short visits. Travis you said it all when you said he always made everyone smile. I know he loved you as his best friend and beloved son. I am so sorry I will be unable to be at visitation or funeral. All the family will be in my heart and prayers.

Tom was special in so many ways. I first met Tom in the late '70's when I was an appraiser. Back in those days there was not the MLS system we know today and verifying sales was a job for all of us in those days. Tom was always ready to help. 
My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.

I've known Tom since the 7th grade. What a hoot he was! For those who knew him our lives will be different now because Tom Pope is no longer here. I am so sad, and will greatly miss seeing him. Our high school reunions simply won't be the same. Peace to his family.

Will miss your smiling face my friend and neighbor. Your warm loving heart to me and my family over the years.

Tom was a long-time classmate and friend.  He was always so kind and hospitable.  Condolences to his family.  He will be missed. Rest in peace, friend. 

Sherri Lehmann Steele, Class of Murrah, 69 (Clinton, MS.)

How we loved you, our precious friend!  Not a day will go by that we will not miss you!  We will hold you dearly in our hearts forever!

TP was a great man and a true friend. I wish I could have spent more time with him because he was such a great person to be around. I never spent a minute with this guy that he didn't have a smile on his face. He will be missed. 

Ike Massey (Brandon, MS)

So very sad to hear about Tom. I just spoke with him last Wednesday.  He was a wonderful person. We will miss him.  Love and prayers to his family, Kathleen Gilchrist Mims.

I don't know if I ever met Tom, but I talked with him on the phone many times.  He was always very helpful.  You will be truly missed in the appraisal field.

Our appraisal community has lost a kind soul.  He helped any and all appraisers whenever possible.  He will be missed.  Rest in peace, dear friend.

The good, they die young!  You will be sorely missed!

Chris and Berhany Cutcher, with deepest sympathy and prayers

Our friendship went all the way back to the days of the "Recovery Room"!!!   Everybody loved TP!!!   We'll see you on the "High Ground",  TP!!!!

Our most sincere condolences to Tom's family, extended family, friends, relatives, and everyone who knew him.  If you knew Tom you know that he loved everything outdoors but he loved people even more.  He cared about peopleall people.  Every time you would see Tom you knew your day was about to get a lot better.  We are so blessed to have known Tom for as long as we did.  This world is a far better place because of Tom Pope.  We love you buddy and we are going to miss you terribly.

Barney and Betsy Davis

Our most sincere condolences to Tom's family, extended family, friends, relatives, and everyone who knew him.  If you knew Tom you know that he loved everything outdoors but he loved people even more.  He cared about peopleall people.  Every time you would see Tom you knew your day was about to get a lot better.  We are so blessed to have known Tom for as long as we did.  This world is a far better place because of Tom Pope.  We love you buddy and we are going to miss you terribly.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

I'm so saddened to hear of Tom's passing.  What a great guy he was and so friendly.  My prayers are lifted up for the family.  He will be missed by many.

I knew Tom since grade school.  We played Little League baseball together and remained friends thru college and beyond.  He was always kind and considerate of others. I am praying for his family and many friends.

What to say; a great person , it was my pleasure to have known Tom. May you be in the most preimer fishing hole and hunting spot you have every encountered.

Tom was my oldest friend.  We met when I was about two.  Lord what a ride we had together.  There will never be another.  Tom was a member of a High School group known as "The Bus Boys" All of us have remained close since those days.  We are all especially hard hit by this sad news.  We thought of Tom as ours, but he was not, he belonged to everyone.  If you knew Tom, you were his close friend.  My Thoughts and prayers go out to all family and friends. Goodbye old buddy.

OBITUARY

Tom Pope

14 November, 1951 – 27 November, 2015

Parkway Funeral Home & Parkway Memorial Cemetery

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