Joseph R Pope

Joseph Ray Pope, age 82 of Kingsport, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Holston Valley Medical Center. Mr. Pope was born December 3, 1929 in Sullivan County to Lloyd and Della Pope and resided all his life in Blountville and Kingsport. He married Helen Gibson on October 24, 1953. Mr. Pope retired from Eastman Chemical. He was an avid Nascar fan and enjoyed spending time with his wife and family in Daytona Beach, Florida. Mr. Pope served his country in the United States Army and was a Korean War Veteran. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a great grandson, Gabriel Willis, along with brothers Emmett and Roy Pope.

Survivors other than his wife Helen include his children: Judy Rasnake and husband Darrell and Teresa Jessee and husband J.C.; grandchildren: Alex Franklin and wife Amy, Lance Rasnake and wife Janet, Laura Cochrane and husband Jeff and Kevin Willis and wife Mary Beth; six great grandchildren: Alexis, Timberly, Olivia, Abigail, Zane and Andrew; brothers and sisters: Vance Pope, Frannie McClain, Margaret Myers, Gene Pope and Ralph Pope. Other survivors include his extended family: Bobbie and Leonard Lamb, Ada Frost, Jerri Carberry, Mary Ringley, Linda Absher, Patsy and Jerry Gibson. Special caregivers: Connie Glover and Jane Gibson.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 29, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Will Shewey and Rev. Ray Amos officiating. Music will be provided by the Gospel Travelers. Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in East Lawn Memorial Park. Everyone is asked to assemble in the funeral home chapel by 10:45 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church building fund at 230 Boozy Creek Road, Blountville, TN 37617.

Please visit www.eastlawnkingsport.com to leave a condolence for the family. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the Pope family.