Milton Pope

Milton Gene Pope, 77, of Englewood entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 28, 2023, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga following a brief illness. He was born to the late Arthur and Evelyn Pope in Alvin, Texas. Gene's father was a pastor for many years and the family traveled throughout the southwest United States ministering in several locations.

Gene once was told there was a beautiful young lady that he just had to meet. She was the VLB leader for the Redding, California Church of God of Prophecy. He met her and on February 23, 1971, he married this VLB leader. Little did they know that Gene and Donna would be married over 52 years! Throughout their marriage they lived in Sacramento, California, Rosston, Arkansas, Athens Tennessee and finally in Englewood, Tennessee.

During his life, Gene worked very hard to provide for his family. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and was a dry wall contractor as well.

Gene loved to work for The Lord and The Church. After retiring from secular work, Gene helped with many fundraisers for the local church in Athens of which he was a charter member. During his time at that church, he served as the ABM leader, CPMA Leader and the Adult Sunday School Teacher. Gene was also an ordained Deacon in The Church of God.

In addition to his parents, Gene is preceded in death by a brother Arthur Lee and his wife Olita Pope, and two sisters, Darlene and her husband Bill Webb, and Linda Lousie Pope.

Leaving to cherish his memory includes his faithful and loving wife of 52 years, Donna Pope of Englewood; a sister, Bonnie (Lee) Harless of Vancouver, WA; three children, Beverly (George) Jones, Danny (Ashley) Pope of Athens, and Linda (Jason) Hanson of Long Beach MS; eight grandchildren, Alex, Travis, John, Tyler, Alyssa, Taylor, Nicholas, and Katie; and a great-grandchild, Zy'auna.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at The Church of God Zion Hill, 193 Tillie Road, Cleveland TN. Harvey Anders, Tom Carver, and Clint Pulliam officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that monetary donations be given to the family at the service or by contacting a family member.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Erlanger-Baroness hospital in Chattanooga for their compassionate care during Gene's time with them. And to Companion Funeral Home of Athens for their assistance during this time.