Jerry Lynn Pope

jerry pope

September 6, 1950 ~ February 1, 2025

Born in: Jackson, Tennessee
Resided in: Fletcher, North Carolina

Jerry Lynn Pope, age 74, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025 at his home in Fletcher, North Carolina. Jerry, the second child of Thomas and Doris Pope, was born in Jackson, Tennessee in 1950. He went on to receive his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee and enjoyed a long career as a Hospital Administrator with Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, before eventually retiring to the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina.

Beyond his formal education, Jerry was a skilled handyman; he never met a problem he couldn’t solve or a home improvement project he couldn’t tackle. He was a life-long learner and embraced a challenge. He also treasured fishing trips with his brother at Kentucky Lake, he loved to tinker in his garage, and everyone who had the privilege of tasting his barbeque agreed that his smoked ribs transcended those at The Rendezvous.

Jerry’s greatest joy in life was his family, and one of his favorite titles was “dad”. Shea and Lauren lovingly remember the hours spent as children working alongside him, the stories he would tell, and the support he offered in their many interests–including time in the driveway playing basketball with Shea, or cheering Lauren on in cross country. Sarah will never forget him dropping everything to help her make her own cornhole set, along with his countless trips to Lowes to help Devin fix whatever was broken in their home. Jerry also loved his role as “Papa”; he loved cheering on his grandchildren in their sports games and swim meets, time spent in nature with Livi in California, trips to Nashville and Arizona with the Popes, and Christmases with the Gilreaths in North Carolina.

Jerry was a devoted husband. God led Jerry to cross paths again with his elementary-school girlfriend, Ginger Blackard, in 2001, and they married in 2003. Whether it was a cross country roadtrip to Zion National Park, exploring the rugged coastline of Maine, a relaxing beach trip with all the grandkids to Destin, Florida, or remodeling their mountain home in Fletcher, Jerry and Ginger spent their twenty-one year marriage traveling and making memories together and with their children and grandchildren.

Jerry had a servant’s heart for others and would drop everything at a moment’s notice to help someone in need. He led by example and leaves a legacy of hard work, gentleness, humor, and discipleship. His warmth, intellect, kindness, and joyful laugh will be sorely missed. In short, Jerry lived a life that reflected his love of the Lord and his love for others.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Ginger Pope, his children, Shea Pope (Danielle), Lauren Hensley (Joe), Sarah Gilreath (Devin), his ten grandchildren: Carson Pope, Delainey Gilreath, Caleb Pope, Sallie Gilreath, Olivia Hensley, Savannah Pope, Della Gilreath, Wyatt Pope, Susanna Gilreath, Sophie Gilreath, his brother, Roland Pope (Kaye), and his sister, Mary Beth Pope.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Grace Mills River Church, 495 Cardinal Road, Mills River, NC 28759. Jerry’s family will greet friends at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Mills River Church, to benefit the Black Mountain Home for Children.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.

Services

Memorial Service: February 8, 2025 10:30 am

Grace Mills River Church
495 Cardinal Road
Mills River, NC 28759


http://www.gracemillsriver.org

The Family Will Greet Friends: February 8, 2025 11:30 am

Grace Mills River Church
495 Cardinal Road
Mills River, NC 28759


http://www.gracemillsriver.org

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Jerry Lynn Pope 's name.

Grace Mills River Church

495 Cardinal Road

Mills River,

NC

www.gracemillsriver.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Xxoo, love hugs kisses to my “other little sister, Ginger. Wish I could hug you and be there but with you in spirit an love . Sydney an “my Jerry”

  2. Thankful to have had the opportunity to work alongside of Jerry over the years. He was supportive and encouraging to me. He took care of his people. He was a man who lived his faith.

  3. Phi phi ka brother. Blessed to have known Jerry throughout my life . Jerry was in our wedding. Great man who will be greatly missed.


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