David L. Pope

David L. Pope August 28, 1941 – November 17, 2020 David L. Pope, 79 of Stantonsburg passed away peacefully at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Stantonsburg Town Cemetery. The Rev. Ron Carnighan will officiate. David was born and raised in Stantonsburg and graduated from Stantonsburg High School in 1959, where he excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. David attended UNC-CH and graduated in 1963, where he was co-captain of the baseball team. He was president of Pope Farms, Inc. until his retirement in 1987. In 1981, the Pope Family was named Greene County Farm Family of the year. As a second profession, David returned to ECU and earned his master’s degree and then he taught math in the Wilson County Schools for more than twenty years. He was a mentor for many young people at Darden Middle School. David was an avid tennis player, after retirement he enjoyed playing tennis, traveling, and spending time at the NC Coast with the love of his life, Jewel. David served on the BB&T Board of Directors, Wilson Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, and numerous other boards. David had a quick wit; a warm smile and a sincere word for all the met. He was a simple man; analytical and always thinking! David will be missed and will be remembered with much love. David is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Jewel Howard Pope of the home; son, Charles I. “Chad” Pope and wife, Tammy of Stantonsburg; grandchildren, Charles Bryant Pope and wife, Carolyn of Wilson, Julia Griffin Pope Bass and husband, Brian of Wilson; great-granddaughters, Darden Grace Bass, Charlotte Louise Bass, Olivia Rose Pope and Anna Rogan Pope all of Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles I. and Mildred Webb Pope and his brother, Charles I. Pope, Jr. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Stantonsburg United Methodist Church, PO Box 6, Stantonsburg, North Carolina 27883. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.