Donald Ray Pope, Jr.

Donald Ray Pope, Jr., age 62, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, July 23, 2016, after a courageous five-year battle with multiple myeloma. Donny was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 18, 1953 to Donald and Aurora Pope. He was the first of five children.

Donny graduated from Thomas Edison High School in San Antonio, Texas in 1971, where he played saxophone in the marching band. Donny spent his career working with and around cars, which he loved. He worked for many years at Cavender Oldsmobile, Toyota and finally Rush Truck Center/Peterbilt, where he made many friends. His friendly, warm personality made him easy to be admired and loved by everyone he met.

Donny will be remembered for his gentle strength, his kind heart and his ability to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. He found happiness in music, trains, his two dogs, woodcrafting and building, traveling to Tennessee, and spending time with his family. Donny was the handyman "MacGyver" of the family; not only was he willing to help anyone in need, he always knew exactly how to solve any problem.

He is preceded in death by his parents Donald Ray Pope, Sr. and Aurora Gilland Pope, and his sister Barbara Pope Krause. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Shirley Barthelme-Pope, his brother John Pope, his sisters, Katherine Pope and Patricia Black and husband Jerry. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him like a father.

Donny showed determination, strength, and courage throughout his battle with cancer. Donny's family and friends give thanks to Dr. Sharon Wilks and her nurses and staff at Texas Oncology for their wonderful care. A visitation will be held at Porter Loring North on Sunday, July 31, 2016, from 5:00-7:00 pm. A service to celebrate Donny's life will be held at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church on Monday, August 1, 2016 at 10:00 am. Donations may be made to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Alamo City Cancer Council, or a charity of your choice.