Raymond Burl Pope

Raymond is survived by his; siblings, Baron, Kenneth (Martha), John (Judy), Loudean, Kathy, Robby (Sam), and Rev. Vandy Pope (Erlanna);  sisters-in-law, Beverly, Martha, and Gloria; brother-in law Joel:  children, Sandra, and Mark (Donna); grandchildren, Melinda, Evelyn “Joy”, Kimberly (Larry), Justin, Joseph “Joe” (Kelly), Winston “Oliver”, (Lauren), and Alexander “Alex”;  great-grandchildren, Garrett, Joshua, Brandon (“Nikki”), Daniel, Noah, Chandler, Madeline “Maddie”, Lillian “Lilly” (1), Holden (18), Anna (15), Charles “Charlie” (13), Jessica “Jessie” (10), Rose (8), and Franklin “Finn” (4);  great-great-grandchildren, Elias (6), Avery (4), Colton (2), Emerson “Emme” (5), and Jeffery (1);  as well as many friends.   He is preceded in death by his parents; Daniel “Fred” and Katie Lou Pope; wife, Annemerle “Penny” Pope; siblings, George “Wesley”, Dan “Jr.”, Carolyn “Doris”, Eugene “Richard”, Juanita, and Stanley

Raymond was born on July 19, 1924, in McDonough, Georgia to Katie and Daniel Pope, and was the oldest of fourteen children. He loved to tell the story of having two birthdays.  He was born at home and the doctor completed his birth certificate from memory and put the date of July 11, 1924, instead of his actual birth date.  We would always wait for the story when someone asked for his date of birth! 

Raymond enlisted in the Navy, just before completing high school in August of 1942 and proudly served in WWII until December of 1945.  He was a medic in the war and loved to share the stories of his war experience with his grandchildren.  He met his wife, “Penny” while in the service and they married after a short courtship, on April 28,1945. The couple welcomed 2 children into their home and Raymond set about teaching them the importance of going to church and of the power of prayer. His children remember him as a quiet, but caring father.  He did not often openly show affection, but there was no doubt that he cared deeply. He worked in accounting at Dwight Motor Company and later at Gunite Construction.  He spent the first part of his life in Georgia and moved to Florida in July of 1958. A piece of his heart was always back in Georgia.  He loved to go back and visit his extended family, and no trip was complete unless it included a trip to the “Varsity” for a hot dog and a fried peach pie.

Raymond, affectionately known as “grandpa”, “granddaddy”, and “papa” was devoted to his grandchildren.  He and his wife, “Penny” took turns baby-sitting and spending individual time with their grandchildren on a regular basis.  They would leave their demanding jobs and pick up a grandchild for the weekend and treat them to whatever they wanted for that weekend.  In later years, after retirement, he would drop off and pick up grandchildren at school.  At least one great grandson always got “sick” and had to be picked up often. Raymond also cared deeply for his pastors and his church.  He served on the church board until he finally retired just before his 98th birthday.  He was serious about his role and never shared one word to anyone about the board business.

Visitation will be on July 22, 2023, at 9am, followed by the funeral service at 10am. Services will be held at The Pentecostals of Cooper City-5201 South Flamingo Road. Reverend Mark Hattabaugh will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Raymond’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Pentecostals of Cooper City (Place R. Pope on the memo line).  Donations can also be made via the church website at:  https://pushpay.com/g/coopercitychurch?src=hpp, choose “other” as the giving type, and write R. Pope memorial in the memo section. Condolences can be sent to:  https://www.fredhunters.com/obituary/rymond-pope.  The family would like to thank Trust Bridge Hospice (and especially Ingrid) for their care and dedication during his illness.