Obituary of William Horton Pope

William Horton Pope, 99, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at his home in Ocala, FL.  Bill was born in Dunn, NC on December 19, 1919 to Lloyd Busbee and Martha Smith Pope.  He is predeceased by his parents, his beautiful wife of 56 years Jewell Eatman Pope, 2 brothers Lloyd Busbee Pope, Jr. and Albert Harrell Pope, and his sister Barbara Pope Cavalle.  He is survived by his daughter Martha Karen Pope, and his brother Richard (Liz) Pope of Charlotte, NC, nephew Buzz (Georgia) Pope of Morehead City, NC, and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bill attended Wake Forest College for two years before joining the Naval Air Corps. in WWII.  Serving in the Pacific Theaters of combat, as a First Class Petty Officer, he received air medals, gold star, and presidential citation for meritorious achievement in aerial combat.  There was an unshakeable bond among his crew members as they were then known as Lehman’s Demons after decorated Captain John Lehman, Sr.  They flew countless hours in the Pacific and completed many successful missions on the patrol bomber “Martin” (PBM) warplane.  Upon returning to his hometown, Bill joined his father and brother in the family business as publisher of the Dunn Dispatch newspaper and Pope Printing Company.  After 30 years he retired to Florida with his lovely wife Jewell and joined their daughter in raising thoroughbred horses.  The family also enjoyed spending time hiking in the NC mountains.  Two of Bill’s greatest joys in later years were his love for baking all kinds of goodies for various charities, and playing his beloved trumpet, especially the years in the First Baptist Church of Ocala orchestra.  To him it was a privilege to be a part of glorifying God in beautiful music and hymns.  Bill will best be remembered for his love and devotion to his family and his country, America, but even more-so for his sincere steadfast trust and hope in Jesus Christ.  We will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 18^th at First Baptist Church of Ocala Fellowship Hall.  Memorials can be made to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Heal Our Patriots, PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607. www.samaritanspurse.org. 1(800) 528-1980

Arrangements are being handled by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services 910 SE Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL  34470 (352)-629-7171.  Online Condolences may be expressed at www.hiers-baxley.com.