Born and raised largely in Salem, AL, Ellis Warren Pope was the oldest of four children born to Marvin W. and Johnnie Lee Franklin Pope. He worked on their farm milking cows and picking cotton while he attended school, graduating from Beauregard High School in 1952. Upon graduation, Warren joined the United States Army, serving most of his term of service in post WWII Germany. After service, he attended Auburn University, graduating in 1960.
He began his professional life working at Columbus Bank & Trust Company (CB&T) for seven years but spent the majority of his career with Franklin Life Insurance Company, eventually opening his own Franklin Office. At Franklin, he demonstrated leadership earning honors such as the 100 Million-Dollar Conference, President of the Columbus Life Underwriters Association, Agent of the Year in 1979. He received a letter of congratulations and appreciation from then Lt. Governor Zell Miller.
He was also deeply committed to serving his community with honors to include President’s Membership Committee for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, top producer, and Chairman of the Chamber in 1973. He was the Second Vice President of the Muscogee Lion’s Club. He was active in the church of his youth, Shiloh Baptist Church, and later serving as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Lakewood Baptist Church in Phenix City. He was a Columbus Jaycee for 10 years.
Warren Pope was a simple, quiet man who loved his family, his recliner, coffee, reading, and desserts. He did not seek honors, but sought to be an honorable human being. He worked hard, whether in the fields of his family’s farm or serving his country or in his professional and community life. He was a man of faith and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Maurice Pope and a granddaughter, Kirsten Wright.
Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley Shirah Pope of Columbus, GA; one daughter, Donna Wright and husband Dana of Columbus, GA; one grandson, Brandon Wright of Columbus, GA; two brothers, Jack Pope and wife, Angie, David Pope and wife Mary, sister-in-law, Ruth Pope; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Columbus Hospice www.columbushospice.com.
A service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, Columbus, GA. Family will visit with friends from 10:00 AM until time of the service. Burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery following the service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Pope family.
