Obituary of Charles Richard Pope

Charles R. Pope, 91, of St. Petersburg passed away on January 2, 2024 at St. Anthony’s Hospital surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Orlando, FL in 1932, he graduated Orlando High School where he excelled in athletics and academics. He went on to join the Army in 1953, where he was an Infantry School instructor at Fort Benning, GA. After his service, he attended the University of Florida and joined Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity along with several of his hometown friends.

After college, Charlie began his 36-year career at Florida Power (now Duke Energy) in the Winter Park office. There he met the love of his life, Patricia Conley, and they married in 1964. During their all too brief 25-years together they raised a family, welcomed a grandchild, and traveled extensively. Their adventures included grand tours of Europe, the Holy Lands, Russia, and annual fall trips to the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the summer of 1989, he tragically lost Patricia. But her memory never faded, as he would tell stories of their special relationship for all his days.

Charlie was a service-minded man, giving generously of his time and money to Palm Lake Christian Church where he was a member for more than 40 years. He served as an Elder and Chief Financial Officer for many of those years. But his favorite contribution was caring for the Church property. Well into his late 80s you could find him mowing the grass and pruning the bushes.

He loved sharing stories about his childhood, days on the gridiron, college hijinks, and cherished memories of family and friends. He enjoyed caring for his home, cheering on the Gators, and bragging about his family’s recent achievements. He was never shy about expressing his love and devotion to those closest to him.

He is survived by his children Barry and Shaun, daughter-in-law Dana, and grandchildren Zackery, Payton, Marlee, and Tatum. His influence on the family will be forever remembered.

A memorial service is being held at Palm Lake Christian Church in St. Petersburg on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 4PM, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://www.palmlakecc.org/donate-to-plcc/   To Donate, CLICK HERE