Lee Autry Pope

Lee Autry Pope, born in Statesville, North Carolina, spent his remaining days in the comfort of his home of more than 50 years and passed away on April 5, 2018 at the Gordon Hospice House. He was the son of Ella (Edna) and John R. Pope.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer Laws, John Pope and Heather Chapman; his sister, Francis Spaulding; his grandchildren, Matthew Bartlett, Andrew Bartlett, Travis Bartlett, Brittani Laws, Steven Laws, Abigail Laws, Trevor Pope, Emerson Pope and great grandchild Levi Edwards. Lee was the youngest of ten siblings and proudly served his country in the USMC during the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Before he was honorably discharged, he was recognized as a sharpshooter. After the military, Lee returned to Statesville where he spent the majority of his career managing drugstores such as Eckerd Drugs and CVS.

After 25+ years in retail, he chose to spend the remainder of his working years as an independent truck driver touring the country. During his 15 years of exploring the US, Lee always returned home to Statesville, NC. There was no place he would rather be and where he spent his retirement. Around the age of 68, Lee was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. During his final years, Lee enjoyed tinkering with cars, fiddling around the house, catching up with neighbors and giving his caregivers a hard time. He may have lost the battle to Parkinson’s but he will always be remembered by those closest to him as a soldier who would not go down easily or without a fight. Lee loved life but can now rest easy in the arms of Christ and with those who have gone before him, including his grandchild John Pope Jr.

A grave side service will be held at Iredell Memorial Gardens 2304 Shelton Avenue Statesville, NC 28677 on Monday April 9th at 1:30pm officiated by Rev. Donnie Durham of Stony Point United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life for all friends and family will follow the service at the Chef’s House, 328 Davie Ave, Statesville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Iredell County Hospice & Palliative Care in Lee’s memory. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Pope Family.