Johnnie H Pope, Sr.

Johnnie H. Pope, Sr., known affectionately as John, passed away on August 15,2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia. Born on December 6, 1935, in St. Charles, Virginia, to the late Reuben Eric Pope and Dossie Ruth Hale Pope. John was a devoted family man, a diligent worker, and a kind-hearted individual who left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Ima Jean Farmer Pope, son, Darrell Michael Pope and brother Gresham "Bud" Pope

A respected plant engineer, John retired after 21 years of dedicated service at SKF Industries. His commitment to his job was matched only by his dedication to his family and community. He was a proud veteran, having served four years in the United States Air Force, embodying the values of duty and service throughout his life.

John graduated from Northfork-Elk Horn High School in 1954 and later attended Clinch Valley College. His educational journey laid the foundation for a successful career, but it was his character that truly defined him. Colleagues and friends described him as a hard worker, always willing to lend a helping hand and approach each challenge with determination and grace. Late in John's life he decided to obtain his realtor's license in VA and TN, just to prove to himself that he could.

Education and hard work were not the only passions in John's life. He cherished children deeply, and alongside his beloved wife, he made significant contributions to organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Smoky Mountain Children's Home. His legacy of generosity and compassion will forever be remembered by those organizations and the many children they support.

John is survived by his loving family, including his sons John Pope, Jr. and Bradley Allen Chapman (Michelle); daughters Tonya Lynn Cox (Tim Duff) and Karla Gaye Chapman; siblings Betty Sue Cunningham (Perry) and Sandra Meadows (John); grandchildren Nathan Rivver Cox (Alston) and Benjamin Jace Chapman; great-grandchild Coburn West Cox; special friend, Phyllis Greathead, and several nieces and nephews. Each of them carries a piece of John's spirit within them, reflecting the warmth and kindness he exuded throughout his life.

A visitation will be held in his honor on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Farris Funeral Service – Main Street Chapel in Abingdon. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Barbara Farmer officiating. The burial will be at Mountain View Methodist Cemetery with military honor by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and Shaw Air Force Base Honor Guard.

The family would like to thank the 3rd floor nursing staff at Johnston Memorial Hospital for the care they provided John during his stay there. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Smoky Mountain Children's Home at smch.org.

John’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones, and his legacy of kindness and service serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on their community and family. He will be dearly missed.

The family of Johnnie H. Pope is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory - Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 276-623-2700.