Edgar Ray Pope

Stedman

Instead of purchasing online flowers, please see a list of charities at the end of Ray's obituary, that were important to Ray and his family.

Edgar Ray Pope, 81 went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 15, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

Edgar Ray Pope was born to the late Mary Ruth and Samuel Pope on September 27, 1940 in Stedman, North Carolina.
He was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support from an early age. He graduated from Stedman High School in 1958 and joined The United States Air Force in November 1960.

Ray was blessed with a large and loving family. He married the love of his life Celeste Pecora Pope on April 22, 1961. Ray helped raise his two children with patience, discipline and humility. He taught them the values of life.

Ray was a Deacon at Oak Grove PFWB Church and a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry since 1977, the Stedman Masonic Lodge for 50+ years, the Salvation Army and Gideons International.

Ray was a self-taught water skier who taught his wife and children how to water ski at an early age. He loved his employment with Piedmont Airlines so much that it continued to show throughout his life. He was employed by Piedmont when they transitioned to USAir and had a combined total service of 25 years. He was also employed by Allstate Insurance for 10 years.

Ray is survived by his wife Celeste Pope; his son Kenneth Ray and wife Michele; daughter Wendy Pope Sneed and husband Richard; granddaughters Danielle Sneed, Bryanna Harmon and husband Corey; great- grandson River Lane Harmon; brother Samuel Wayland and wife Ruth; sister Florence White; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at Oak Grove Pentecostal Freewill Baptist Church, officiating will be Rev. David Taylor. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by The United States Air Force.
The family will receive friends from 12 PM to 1:30 PM Thursday at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the bereavement fund at Oak Grove PFWB Church 6535 Oak Grove Church Rd., Stedman, NC 28391, the Salvation Army or Gideons International.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, Stedman, NC  28391.

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