Richard Tilden Pope

He was born on June 20, 1953, in Camden, New Jersey to the late Ann Tilden Pope and Robert Gilmer Pope. After a childhood full of Haddonfield baseball and Philadelphia Little Quaker football, “Richie” attended Denison University. He pledged Theta Beta Pi, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. He continued his athletic journey playing rugby and liked to cruise campus on his motorcycle. Through college, Richard was a standout lifeguard at the New Jersey shore. His smile was always the brightest while telling entertaining stories from his summers in the lifeguard stand.

After marrying Kathy Lynn Pope, nee Dudderar, in October of 1977, their family expanded with four children and many pets. Kathy and Richard loved animals and, through the child-rearing years, their home was a flourishing funhouse, warm and welcoming. Richard helped coach his young boys as they excelled in athletics and he loved playing golf. He worked diligently to financially support his family through a variety of successful jobs over time, but retired from Furniture Land South (High Point, NC) in 2018 after 16 years of employment.

Richard enjoyed classic movies and oldies music and preferred to live a simple life without the distractions of the Internet, smartphones, or social media. He was content with simplicity and routine and found satisfaction in mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes, or doing small house projects. He also had an affinity for birds and found quiet joy watching them gather in his backyard.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathy Lynn Pope, who passed away in November of 2019. He missed her deeply in the years that followed. Currie and Molly, the cherished family goldendoodles, became his constant companions. He cared for them lovingly, and they gave him faithful company each day.

A longtime resident of Jamestown, Richard was known for his exceptional kindness and cordial nature. He was reliable, approaching life with thoughtfulness and intention. “Pops” will be remembered for his generosity and the many stories that reflected a life fully lived. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his older brother Mason Gilmer Pope, of Voorhees, NJ; his 2 daughters, Kelly Lynn Sitton (husband Evan) and Martha Meyer Pope; his two sons, Kyle Tilden Pope (wife Samia) and Wesley Senour Pope (wife Lauren); and 9 grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Jamestown United Methodist Church. Following the service a reception and visitation will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to be made in Richard's memory to the Guilford County Animal Shelter.