Bobby Wayne Pope

Bobby Wayne Pope, 82, was born in Coats on November 28, 1941, to William Millard Pope of Johnston County and Fannie Lenora Roberts of Johnston County. Born and raised on the family farm, Bobby never strayed far from his roots. He was a man of the earth and a steward of the land, like his father and grandfather before him. 

Funeral Services will be 11:00AM on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Coats Global Methodist Church 288 E. South Street, Coats, NC 27521. Rev. Paul Cecil will officiate. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Coats, NC. 

Growing up on the farm taught Bobby to love and care for something greater than himself. One of the perks he really enjoyed was the freedom to roam and dine on all the fruit trees, nut trees, and berries that were available and plentiful. His natural treats were always subsidized with the tea cakes his mother would bake and store in the pantry.

Bobby attended Coats Union School. While in high school, he was a star athlete. He excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating from high school, he attended and graduated from Campbell College (University) with a B.A. degree. While there, Bobby lettered in both basketball and baseball. 

Bobby cultivated a love for golf while in college, becoming an avid golfer and club champion. With a major in physical education, he became a high school coach. Bobby coached football, basketball, baseball, and golf. He never departed from the sports he loved most. Bobby held his student athletes in high regard because he genuinely cared for them. “He has meant a great deal to generations of students and players over many years of loyal, committed leadership, touching lives in a positive way,” commented one of his former athletes.

Bobby lived the life he loved by spending time with his children and grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye. They, along with twin great-grandsons, lit up his heart when they would enter the room. He deeply admired his children and grandchildren for their successes in life and his great-grandchildren for their energy and playful antics.

Bobby’s other loves were driving his truck; traveling throughout the state; driving his blue tractors while hauling hay; working his cows; playing cards; and playing golf.

As his health began to fail, Bobby would often repeat what his mother said to him: “The Old Master will never put on you more than you can bear.” He carried his mother’s philosophy with him until his candle was extinguished.

Bobby died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings: Willie Davis (Martin), Naomi Pope, Edward (Katie Lee Durham), Mildred Wheeler (Harry Melvin), Thurlene Rondini (Harry), Grace Stewart (Billy), Dorothy Ferrell (George), Tommy (surviving widow Lida Colville), Jean Lamm (Russell), and Rebecca Roberts.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Margaret Weaver Pope; daughter Elizabeth Anne Gurkin (Sean), son William Michael (Sheila Stafford), son Jonathan Alan (Leslie Brown), all of Coats; and son Robert Ian (Sarah Barbour), of Dunn. Grandchildren: Worth Cuyler Gurkin (Margaret Herring), of Dunn; Seth Wicker Gurkin, Megan Elise Pope, Sarah Ashlyn Pope, Emily Kathryn Pope, and Adam Thomas Pope, all of Coats; Robert Ellis Pope, Mary Charlotte Pope, and Sarah Frances Pope, all of Dunn. Great-grandchildren: Townsend and Archie Gurkin of Dunn. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Bobby’s family would like to thank his caregivers—Marion Lilly, Brandy Gainey, Michelle Lamm, and Tammy Byrd—as well as his hospice nurse, Bridget Lawson, for their loving care and comfort.

Flowers are welcome; however, in lieu of flowers please feel free to make donations to either Coats Methodist Church Building Fund P.O. Box 388, Coats, NC 27521 (checks may be made out to Coats Methodist Church) or Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Building Fund P.O. Box 397, Coats, NC 27521 (checks may be made out to Ebenezer Presbyterian Church).

The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Friday, October 4, 2024 at Rose and Graham Funeral Home, located at 90 W. Stewart Street, Coats, NC 27521. 

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Coats, NC.