Walter Pope, of Covington, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at the age of 79. As a 1957 graduate of Newton County High School, Mr. Pope valued his high school friendships and always attended his class reunions. He continued his education at the University of Georgia and graduated in 1961. Over the course of 51 years, Mr. Pope carved out a remarkable career as a pharmacist serving our community at Standard Pharmacy in Porterdale as well as other pharmacies in Eatonton, Madison, Conyers and Covington. 

A lifetime member of Julia A. Porter United Methodist Church, Mr. Pope recently moved to Covington First United Methodist to worship alongside his beloved grandchildren. He was active in Sunday School at both churches and a member of The United Methodist Men. Mr. Pope loved sports – he was an avid fan of UGA football, a golfer and an excellent softball player. He was devoted to his wife and children, and in his role as a loving and attentive grandfather, Mr. Pope took care of his grandchildren instead of using daycare. He was preceded in death by his son, W. Gregory Pope; parents, Emmett, Sr., and Irene (Aiken) Pope; sister, Kathryn Wilkerson; and brother, Emmett Pope, Jr. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Ann Nichols Pope; daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Grady Hodges, of Mansfield; daughter-in-law, Liz J. Pope; grandchildren, Ashley E. Pope, William Gregory (Will) Pope, Jr.; as well as several nieces and nephews. 

A Funeral Service for Mr. Pope will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at First United Methodist Church, 1113 Conyers St. SW., with the Rev. Dr. Douglas Gilreath, the Rev. Jan McCoy and the Rev. John Ozley officiating with interment following in Covington City Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 5 to 7 p.m.  Friday, April 12, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., at Caldwell Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road. Flowers are accepted, or memorial donations may be made to: Julia A. Porter United Methodist Church, General Fund, 3 Cotton St., Porterdale, GA 30014.