William Daniel "Dan" Pope

William Daniel "Dan" Pope, age 69, of Ivanhoe and formerly of Wallace left this earthly life for his eternal rest on Thursday, February 11, 2021.

Dan was born on August 6, 1951 in Wilmington, North Carolina; the son of Janet Evans Pope of Wallace and the late Billie Sunday Pope.  

He was a member of Wallace Fire Department and served the people of Wallace for many years.  He was employed with NC DOT-Roadside.  Dan was proud of the NC Carolina Wildflower Program that contributed to the environment and beauty of North Carolina.   

Surviving is the love of his life and wife of 44 years, Paula Wells Pope; his sons, Billy Paul Pope and wife, Jessica of Willow Springs and Joe Dan Pope and partner, Andrew Rosene of Charlotte; grandchildren, Carson Pope and Leighton Pope; brother, David Pope and wife, Marilyn of Sneads Ferry; sister, Sara Pirelli and husband, Eddie of Winston-Salem. Dan is also survived by his ‘non-biological’ children, Richard Murray and Amy Powers of Willard and Donny McKoy of Atkinson; his nieces, and extended family and friends that loved Dan dearly.

Dan was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather and brother.  He enjoyed the simplest things in life but his great joy was his family.  Dan was very proud of his boys and loved them dearly.  He adored his wife and his two grandchildren, Carson and Leighton.  Dan began his working days helping his daddy at the "bus station" in Wallace. As he grew older, he decided to try farming.  He enjoyed farming, but as time went on, he continued to farm but went to work with NCDOT - Roadside which he has continued for 13 years.  Dan loved his job and loved his co-workers who affectionately called him "Grandpa."  He was proud of the flowers that he and his guys planted and help grow on the sides of the roads. Dan was a man with a great big heart and loved and enjoyed serving people.  For many years, he and Paula had a New Year’s Pig Picking, where friends and family came from everywhere to enjoy Dan's cooking.  Every year this event grew bigger and bigger.  With a great sense of humor, Dan was full of surprises.  He was a man who respected others, especially the older generation. Dan was generous to those in need and was a mentor to so many during his life. His love was genuine and true, and you always knew where he stood.  Dan will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at Wells-DeBose Family Cemetery in Ivanhoe.

Dan will be open for public viewing on Saturday, February 13, from 4:00pm to 6:00 and again on Sunday, February 14, from 10:00am to 12 Noon at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace.

Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Dan to the Wildflower Program, NC Dept. of Transportation, Roadside Environmental Unit, 1557 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC  27699-1540 or to the Wallace Fire Department, Attn: Chief Farrior, 320 E. Murray St., Wallace, NC 28466. 

You may share your memories and send condolences to the Pope family by selecting our Tribute Wall above. 

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, NC   910-285-4005 

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