Gary D. Pope, 84

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Gary D. Pope, 84, of New Orleans, LA, formerly of Sorento, died Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family and siblings.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 3, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Sorento. Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Ralph Ward of Hillsboro officiating. Burial will be held in Sunnyside Cemetery in Sorento. A Celebration of Life will be held  in New Orleans, LA, at a later date. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Pope was born April 27, 1935, in Sorento, to Ralph D. and Geraldine O. (May) Pope. He played center on the basketball team, and went on to play at Greenville High School, where he met and married the love of his life, Kay Haram. They settled in Greenville and started a family.

Mr. Pope worked in accounting at Pet Milk in Greenville. He was a Mason and was active in the Jaycees. He took a position in St. Louis, MO, with Pott Industries, and was soon asked to go to New Orleans, LA, to manage accounting at a subsidiary, Gulf Fleet Marine, a marine boat and supply vessel company. The hard decision to leave Illinois was made and the family moved.

His business talents were quickly recognized and he became vice president, overseeing domestic and foreign operations. Through his work, he traveled extensively to England, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, Singapore, China, Japan and South America. His wife often traveled with him and they enjoyed traveling the world.

When he wasn't traveling, he was an avid tennis player. After a company acquisition, he and his wife moved to Houston, TX, where he loved to fish and play golf, but he eventually returned to New Orleans, LA. He retired as an executive vice president of Tidewater Marine.

He was often called upon for his knowledge and expertise, not only of the boating industry, but his business experiences, which turned into a consulting career that lasted until his death.

His family often called him "Coach," not because he coached his grandson's baseball team, but because they all considered him a life coach. He was a gentle mentor and advisor to all who knew him. He was loved for his supportive words, his ability to actively listen, his giving heart and enduring love.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kary Pope of Baton Rouge, LA, Barbara (Bud) Landry, of New Orleans, LA, Susan (Randy) Crites of Plymouth, MI, and John Pope of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren, Megan (Eric) Toujouse of New Orleans, LA, John Crites of Orlando, FL, Beau (Pearce) Landry-Wegener of Baltimore, MD, Paul Crites of Plymouth,MI, and Ross Fossum of Baton Rouge, LA; great-grandchildren, Eli and Eleanor Toujouse of New Orleans, LA; and siblings, Russel (Evelyn) Pope, Karen McCracken and Geraldine (Lonnie) Griffiths, all of Sorento.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Orin McCracken; and sister-in-law, Dee Haram.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Sorento. 

Online condolences may be left at www.plummerfuneralservices.com.