Dates
Lee Ester Pope, Sr. was born to George and Sylvia Pope on June 15, 1936, in Calvert, Texas. He started his education at Calvert ISD. He went on to Paul Quinn College pursuing his degree in Biblical studies. After completing his studies, he moved to Wichita Falls. He married Charlie May Gilmore in Calvert, Texas. In this union were born David Pope and Hazel Pope. Their union ended, and he later met Myrtle Grays. Carless Grays was born from this union.
Lee started his first pastoral role in Wynnewood, Oklahoma at Mr. Carmel Baptist Church. He met and later married Lillie Washington. From this union, Lee Jr. and Donald were born.
He went on to pastor two other churches prior to New Light Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas. During his time at New Light Baptist, he also taught at San Angelo High School and drove the school bus. Lee was a well-known community leader. He was a moderator of the Progressive West Texas Missionary Baptist Association.
Reverend Pope was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, teacher, leader, and servant. He had a generous spirit and cared for others. He made a lasting impact on the lives of those around him. He was not a man who cared about monetary things in life. He would give his last to a person in need. He loved the Lord with all his heart and dedicated his life to ministry.
He loved his family with his whole heart. This includes: his wife, Lillie Pope; children, David Pope, Hazel Pope, Carless Grays, Lee Jr. and Donald Pope; grandchildren, Anthony Crowder, Bianca Crowder Hernandez, Jeffrey Walker, Cassandra Pope, Leandra Pope, and Jared Pope; great-grandchildren, Tristan Crowder, Kiyana Crowder, Brittiana Franklin, Davieon Hernandez, (Brittney Crowder), Naariah Pope, Kaiden Sutton, Carter Sutton, and Kyler Sutton; great-great-grandchildren, Messiah Hill, and Sariah Crowder; sister, Gertrude Robinson, along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends and his beloved New Light Baptist Church family.
Reverend Pope is preceded in death by his parents, George and Sylvia Pope; his brothers, George Jr., Leonard, Oscar, Melvin, and Chales, along with his sisters, Olivia and Atleen.