William Pope

Livestream service

William "Bill" Franklin Pope was born April 16, 1934, in Abilene, Texas, on the family farm affectionately known as "Caps" to Bobbie and Richard Pope. He was a fraternal twin of his brother Joe and beloved by his older sister Rhama Dell. He died peacefully in his sleep on May 8, 2025, at 91 years old.

Bill Pope was the quintessential farm boy. Growing up, he worked the fields and was a star athlete at Abilene High School, graduating class of 1952. It was there that he charmed a young Selma Darlene Warlick as he leaped onto the stage to receive his letterman's jacket one afternoon. They were married December 20, 1952, and enjoyed 72 wonderful years of marriage, which included three children, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-children.

Bill was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union and traveled all over Texas and the Southern US to construct and repair buildings still standing today. In Abilene, there are very few buildings that don't contain the craftsmanship of Bill Pope.

At heart, he was a farmer; growing wheat, raising various animals, creating a family homestead with his wife and children in Potosi, and maintaining the original homestead at Caps. Bill was the patriarch of the family and along-side his wife, sons, honorary son Richard LeMay, and grandchildren throughout the years, spent summers farming wheat at home in The Big Country, and travelled around South Texas, running the family's custom harvesting business. His wife, Darlene, once wrote a short story entitled "Papa's Hands" which encapsulated his quiet and steady spirit that guided us all through our lives.

Bill enjoyed fishing, camping, and went on numerous travelling adventures with his family and friends. He and Darlene enjoyed their retirement years at Airstream rallies and travelling the United States, including an epic road trip to Alaska. His favorite, however, was a remote campground near Red River, New Mexico, where he would spend his summer days fishing in the cool mountains.

Bill was a Christian man, serving for many years as a deacon of Potosi Baptist Church, and well-respected in his community. He was a quiet man, but when he spoke, everyone paid attention. Bill was an observer, gaining wisdom along the way through his experiences and accomplishments, which he shared in quiet moments to a lucky few. His dry, understated humor earned countless laughs over the years.

Above all, he loved his family. Affectionately known as "PaPa" to the grandkids and "Pops" to the great grands, he was happiest when everyone was at the Potosi home spending time together, and of course, eating pumpkin cake.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Darlene Pope of Potosi, TX; his daughter Becky McClendon of Potosi, TX; his sons Gregory (Sherri) Pope of Abilene, TX; Russell (Debbie) Pope of Red River, NM; his honorary son Richard (Roxanne) LeMay of Albany, TX; his dear niece Karen Verbeke (Harry) Shealey of Salisbury, MD; his grandchildren Krystal (Mike) Pope of Seattle, WA; Lindsey Pope of Shallowater, TX; Matt (D'Anna) Uselton of Brock, TX; Melissa (Ahmad) Uselton of Austin, TX; Monica (Chris) Black of Tuscola,TX; Rachel (Fred) McWilliams of Austin, TX; Clayton (Tori) Pope of Knoxville, TN; Jennifer Pope of Red River, NM; Jessica Pope of Abilene, TX; Gracie LeMay of Albany, TX; Will LeMay of Albany, TX; eight great-grandchildren, and many cherished extended family and friends.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Hamil Family Funeral Home in Abilene, TX. A service honoring his life will be held at Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2 p.m. with a graveside service to follow at Potosi Cemetery. For those who cannot attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available. Please click the link the day of the service to view the livestream.

Pallbearers will be Russell Pope, Greg Pope, Richard LeMay, Will LeMay, Clayton Pope, and Caden Hulsey.