Gary L. Pope

Gary L. Pope, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away on July 18th 2023 with his family by his side. He was 76 years old. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Lowell Pope and Donna Pope. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Susan Pope, daughters Heather Mischel and husband Charlie Mischel, Kimberly Pope, Danielle Gunter and husband Matt Gunter, Julie Eakin and husband Jason Eakin, his brother Allen Pope and wife Cheryl Pope, grandchildren Haven, Hunter, Madison, Ryder, Emilee, Osiris, Tori, and Taylor as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also remembered as a treasured and dear friend to all who knew him.
Gary was born in Linton, Indiana on August 4th,1946 and later moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was there his love and passion for the ocean and sports began. Soon Gary gained great notoriety as a young athlete playing baseball and quickly became a rising football star earning him a scholarship to attend Auburn University in the fall of 1964. After completing 2 years there he was drafted into the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for 4 years during the Vietnam War. He returned to Travis Air Force Base in California where he was honorably discharged in 1970. Following his service in the military, Gary began his 44 year career in the oil and gas industry working for ExxonMobil in Benicia, California and Venezuela. Over the years, Gary found great success eventually taking a position in Houston, Texas, in 1992. There he continued his career with James Timec International, Repcon and finally, LyondellBassel, where he retired in March of 2015. He loved his work and his vast experience lended him to serve as a well- respected mentor and consultant. Gary proudly
became an invited speaker offering his expertise in the field of oil refining all over the country.
Gary lived life to the fullest; he had a deep love for sailing and was a crew member on North Mist and enjoyed many regattas stretching the California Coast from Catalina Bay to San Francisco Bay. If he wasn't sailing he was often found snow skiing, fishing, camping, star-gazing, flying remote airplanes, woodworking, cheering on his favorite sport teams and in his early adult years piloting airplanes. He spent many years sharing his passions with his family and teaching them all he could.
While Gary was very proud of his career and achievements in his life, he was most proud of his family. He always put family first. His grandchildren brought him great joy and happiness. He "whole -heartedly," as he would say, embraced his role as a "Grandpa" and treasured all of the memories he made no matter the occasion. Some of his favorite memories included family dinners, vacation holidays, boating, and cheering them on at their sporting events. He had a special connection with each one of his grandchildren.
We would like to send our deepest and heartfelt gratitude to all of the team members and physicians who cared for Gary at CHI St Luke's Medical Center and Baylor Medical Center, as well at the many physicians who cared for him at the Michael Debakey VA Medical Center. We will forever be grateful for your outstanding dedication to his care and be thought of as a special part of our family.
A celebration of life will be held in his honor on a later date in a private family gathering in California.