Claude H. Pope

Claude Hughes Pope

March 27, 1919 - January 16, 2016

Raleigh

Claude Hughes Pope died on January 16, 2016. He was born March 27, 1919 on a tobacco farm in Cedar Grove, NC and was the youngest of nine children. His parents were Patrick Henry and Fannie Stewart Pope. After he graduated from Aycock High School in Cedar Grove, he attended Kings Business College in Greensboro from which he graduated in accounting in 1936. He was first employed as an accountant for Swift & Co. He moved to Raleigh in the late 1930s and became a member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church where he met his first wife, Margie Lee Griggs, at a picnic for young adults. They were married on February 28, 1942. He entered the Army in May 1941 as a company clerk. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was transferred to the Quartermaster Corps Officer Candidate School where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He was assigned to the 102nd Quartermaster Company, 102nd Infantry Division and served throughout in the European Theater. He received the Bronze Star as well as other medals and commendations for his service during the war. He was discharged as Major in February 1946. He worked as an accountant for Greenville (NC) Tobacco Company for three years and returned to Raleigh in 1949 where he worked as controller and office manager for York Properties Inc. He started work the day Cameron Village opened its first four stores. He retired in 1990 after working 41 years. He and Margie built a home on Lake Boone Trail where they lived with their three sons until her death on August 31, 1961. A few years later he met Margaret Owens McAlister and they were married on November 8, 1964 in the chapel at Edenton Street UMC. They spent more than 50 wonderful years together enjoying traveling, cheering for NC State, her cooking and spending time with their family and friends until her death on October 11, 2015.

Dad was an active member of Edenton Street UMC where he served on the Administrative Board and was a member of the Cokesbury Isley Sunday School Class. He worked tirelessly fundraising for his beloved Wolfpack Club. He was also a member of American Management Society, Raleigh Host Lions Club and the American Legion.

He is survived by his five sons: Hughes Pope and his wife, Nina, of San Diego, California; Patrick Pope and his wife, Jane, of Cary; Stewart Pope and his wife, Arlene, of Raleigh; Thomas McAlister and his wife, Judy, of Augusta, Georgia; and Daniel McAlister and his wife, Susan, of Raleigh. He is also survived by nine grandchildren whom he adored: Cheya Pope, Tyler Pope, Ryan Pope, Preston Pope, Carey Pope, John Pope, John Glover, Sarah McAlister and Tommy McAlister. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, who brightened his life.

We would like to thank two very special people, Esther Mwandi and Frieda Dadoo, who assisted Mom and Dad in their everyday living for several years. Without their expert help and loving care, they could not have remained independent. We would also like to express our gratitude to the entire staff of Rex Hospital, particularly Dr. Lori Duncan, who gave Dad her time as well as the best care possible.

A memorial service will be held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 3:00 PM, with visitation following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Music Ministry of Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 West Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27503 or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral home, Raleigh.