CONWAY, NC – Mr. James Thomas Pope, age 66, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Conway, NC on Saturday, June 9, 2018.

Thomas was born on May 3, 1952 in Faison’s Old Tavern, the son of the late John Burton Pope and Louise Taylor Pope. He was also predeceased by his brothers Roy, Alton and J.C.

A lover of life and a friend to all, Thomas was owner / operator of Davis Farm Supply Inc. in Conway for over 40 years where he and wife Susan worked together and raised their four children in a place they considered home.

Thomas was a member of Galatia Baptist Church. He graduated from Northampton County High School in 1970 where he excelled in baseball. He later graduated from Chowan College in 1972. Thomas’ love of baseball continued to flourish throughout his life as he played on local softball teams, coached his sons in t-ball and later, along with special friend Billy Boy Bridgers, coached his boys and many more at Northeast Academy for over 20 years.

His passion for cars began at a very early age on his father’s car lot, Pope’s Garage, in Faison’s Old Tavern. This passion continued throughout his life as he participated in local car shows and events with his beautifully restored Mustangs.

Another passion of Thomas’ was breeding and raising AKC German Shepherds for over 40 years. His reputation for breeding these gentle giants earned him nationwide notoriety.

Thomas’ greatest love other than his wife and four children was being “Pop” to his four grandchildren. He found great joy in taking the two oldest boys fishing where so many great memories were made.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Susan Davis Pope. Throughout their marriage, that began as a high school crush, Susan was honored to share in the many hobbies Thomas loved so dearly. He is also survived by daughter Jenny Disney and husband Scott of Conway, daughter Beth Vinson and husband Zach of Murfreesboro, son Johnathan Thomas Pope and wife Brittney of Halifax, son James Davis Pope and wife Lindsay of Oak City; three grandsons, Camden Scott Disney, Craven Thomas Vinson, and Thorne Ivey Vinson; and granddaughter Maddyn James Pope.

Thomas is also survived by his siblings, Evelyn Bryant and husband Linwood, Donald Ray Pope and wife Sandra Kay, Bailey Pope and wife Kaye, Jimmy Pope and wife Fran, Annette Ricks and husband Clifton, and Chuck Pope and wife Leneau; sisters in-law, Sarah Mae Pope and Margaret Pope; brother in-law John Davis; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Thomas Pope Memorial Baseball Scholarship, in care of Northeast Academy, 210 Church Street, Lasker, NC 27845.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at the Northeast Academy Gymnasium in Lasker, NC. Interment will follow at Conway Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled Bridgers Funeral Home in Conway.