John Pope

John Ed Pope, 87, of Pine Bluff, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2016, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born July 17, 1929, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to the John Atchley and Selma Omcirk Pope. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1947, then attended Hendrix College, Southern Methodist University, and Arkansas A & M College, before returning to Pine Bluff to work at his family's business, the John A. Pope Furniture Company. His employment there spanned 70 years, from part-time work in high school to eventual ownership. He never officially retired. John, or "Johnny" as his friends called him, married Wannie Jean Hicks on Valentine's Day in 1950. They had known each other from infancy, having been on the cradle roll together at what was then Carr Memorial Methodist Church. They had been married 66 years at his death. John was a person of strong convictions and strong opinions, and was not shy about sharing them. He had old-school values, a strong work ethic, and was a man of his word. He was a true creature of habit. For years, his daily regimen included jogging before dawn, reading his well-worn copy of The Living Bible and the Upper Room devotional, arriving at the furniture store early to open up, and having a Charter and Seven cocktail in the evening. His commitment to regular church attendance was unwavering as long as he was physically able. Over the years, John's interests included jogging, playing golf, shooting snooker, and being a general cut-up and tease. In his younger days, he had the reputation of being quite the prankster. He loved slapstick humor (think: The Three Stooges), Dixieland jazz, New Orleans, his condominium in Destin, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and being with family and friends. He hated cheese. He was a member of Carr Memorial United Methodist Church and later, Lakeside United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Wannie Jean Pope of Pine Bluff; two daughters, Jeanie (Greg) Burton and Amy Miller of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Clay Miller of Little Rock, Seth (Crystal) Miller of Little Rock, and Sarah Miller of Pine Bluff; and two great-grandchildren, Lucy Miller and Cillian Miller of Little Rock. The family wishes to express appreciation and love to Amir Bakhtiar, friend and caregiver during John's illness. A memorial service will be held at Wednesday, July 27, 2016, 10 a.m., at Lakeside United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff with Reverend Fred Arnold and Reverend Steve Wingo officiating by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 Olive Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601, St. Jude's Hospital, Attn: Tribute Department, PO Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38148, or a favorite charity. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.