Nathaniel Pope

With profound love and cherished memories, the family of Nathaniel Pope announces his passing on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the age of 81.

Nathaniel was born on October 4, 1945, in Fort Pierce, Florida, to Roy Pope and Myra Richardson Pope. The eldest of nine children, he graduated from Stone High School in Melbourne, Florida, in 1963.

In 1964, Nathaniel began an extraordinary 55-year career in the aerospace and defense industry with RCA at Patrick Air Force Base. In October 1965, he was drafted into the United States Navy, proudly serving two years of active duty before completing his reserve obligation and receiving an honorable discharge in October 1971. His distinguished career included traveling the world aboard a federal government tracking ship and serving as a trusted computer operator with Top Secret security clearance. He retired from Raytheon Company in October 2019.

A hardworking and dedicated provider, Nathaniel also served as a property manager for Daedalian Development Company and owned a successful commercial cleaning business for many years.

In September 1972, Nathaniel married the beautiful Virginia Lee Phillips, former Miss Indian River County, with whom he shared three children, including their beloved son Anthony, who preceded him in death.

Nathaniel was truly a man's man, with a heart full of love and a personality larger than life. Known for his wonderful sense of humor, he was often the life of the party. He loved grilling chicken and ribs, enjoying a delicious sweet potato pie, and much to his family's amusement, sweeping around just about anyone's house he visited! He was a loyal friend, a wonderful neighbor, and a devoted father who would do anything for his family. Beneath his strength was a gentle heart that treasured love, laughter, and peace.

Nathaniel leaves to cherish his memory his four children, Marthenia "Tudy" (Lorenzo) Jones, Travis (Felicia) Beaver, Tyranny (Jo Anna) Pope, and Shonna (Shelvick) Nelson; his goddaughter, Nina Cloud (Jonathan); his significant other, Carnellia Blagrove; four brothers, Kenneth (Joyce) Pope, Bennie (Della) Jordan, Alvin (Andrea) Jordan, and Melvin (Aquanda) Jordan; two sisters, Vivian (Pink) Roberts and Annie Mae Madigan; nine beloved grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Anthony Pope; his parents, Roy Pope and Myra Jordan; his wife, Virginia Pope; and his brothers, Eli Jordan, Jr and Alonza Pope.

Nathaniel's legacy is one of strength, perseverance, generosity, laughter, and unconditional love. Though he will be deeply missed, his family will forever cherish the memories of his infectious humor, his steadfast devotion, and the countless ways he made life brighter for everyone around him.

Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever in our hearts.

Rest peacefully, Papa. Your love and legacy will live on through us always.

“The just man walks in his integrity: his children are blessed after him” – Proverbs 20:7 Cepher