Bill Douglas Pope Sr.

RIO GRANDE CITY - BILL DOUGLAS POPE SR., 81, DIED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 06, 2020 AT DOCTORS HOSPITAL AT RENAISSANCE IN EDINBURG, TX.  SANCHEZ FUNERAL HOME OF RIO GRANDE CITY WILL BE IN CHARGE OF HIS FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. 

Bill Douglas Pope, Sr.

Rio Grande City – Bill D. Pope Sr. 81, went peacefully with the Lord surrounded by his family, praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at his bedside, on Monday, January 6th, 2020, at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Edinburg, Texas.  

He was born on October 2, 1938, to John A. Pope, Jr. and Raquel Valle Pope in Rio Grande City, Texas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John A. Pope, III, and his nephew, John Andrew Olson.

Surviving him are his loving wife of 58 years, Rosario Gutierrez Pope, his son Dr. Bill D. Pope, Jr. and his wife, Nelda Montalvo Pope, his daughter, Rachel Pope Assion and her husband Rainer Assion, his sister Rachel Pope Olson, his niece Leslie Olson Ruffino, nephew John Pope IV, niece Mayela Pope, and his six beloved grandchildren, Victoria, Bill III, and Alexander Pope, Natalie and Erik Straub, and Philip Wagner.  "Billy", as he was known to his family and friends, attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Rio Grande City, and was an altar server for many years.  He attended high school at St. Joseph’s Academy in Laredo, TX and graduated from St. Mary’s University with a B.A. degree in History and English, and later obtained an M.A. degree from A & I University in Kingsville, TX.  He was employed for over 30 years by the Rio Grande City School district.

Billy was a Past Commander of El Cid Caravan, #106 of Starr/Hidalgo Counties, and a member of the Knights of Columbus, and Lion’s Club.  He was very kind-hearted, and ready to help anyone in need.  All remember fondly the interesting stories he would tell about his experiences growing up.  He had a wonderful sense of humor, and made friends easily.  He enjoyed hunting and spending time at his ranch with his family.  His love for horses was evident when at a young age, he would visit friends around Rio Grande on his favorite horse, “Susie.”

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the staff at Doctors Hospital of Renaissance, and to his doctors, Ernesto Treviño, M.D., Murthy Bandiga, M.D., Rodrigo Lema, M.D., Samuel Serna, M.D., Mario Moya, M.D., Ricardo Abreu, M.D., and Juan Ortiz, M.D. for their compassion and the exceptional care given to Billy.  Also, a heartfelt gratitude to his loyal and constant caregivers, Noe Rojas Yáñez and Ivan Nuñez, who became his dear friends and prayer companions.  Pallbearers will be:  Dr. Ernesto Treviño, Dr. Omar Guerra, Dr. Ernesto G. Treviño, Dr. Alejandro Treviño, Noe Rojas Yáñez, and Ivan Nuñez.  Honorary Pallbearers are his grandsons:  Bill D. Pope, III, Alexander D. Pope, Erik Straub, and Philip Wagner.

Visitation will start Tuesday, January 7th, 2020 from 3:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M., with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 P.M.  Visitation will continue Wednesday, from 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.  Funeral Mass will be at the Immaculate Conception Church on Wednesday, January 8th, 2020, at 11 A.M. in Rio Grande City, TX.  Interment will follow at Rio Grande City Cemetery.  Sanchez Funeral Home, in Rio Grande City, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.