William Christian Lewis Pope

William Christian Lewis Pope unexpectedly departed his earthly home and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on July 6, 2023, at the age of 35 at his home, surrounded by his wife Dana and children, in Meadowbrook Estates of Harlan, Kentucky. Will was born on February 9, 1988, and raised in the Appalachian mountains of Harlan, Kentucky. He married Dana White Pope on November 5, 2016, at Persimmon Hill in Speedwell, Tennessee. 

Will is survived by his wife Dana White Pope and his children Jase Capps age 16, Bryleigh Capps age 14, Willa Grace age 4, and Kinsley Rose age 9 months. He is mourned by his parents Thomas Ray Pope and Clara Atkins Pope; mother-in-law Janet White; grandmother, Clara Early Atkins; siblings Mary Elizabeth Pope, Anne Pope Lindsey, and Ryland Pope; sister-in-law Robin Jacobs-Pope; brothers-in-law Oz Bland, Bryan White, and  Michael Lindsey; and nephews and nieces Shane Lindsey, Cade Lindsey, Lydia Clara Bland, Kaya Lily Bland, David Michael Lindsey, Braelyn Sherman, Byron White, Ryder White, and Aspen White; as well as a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and loved ones. Will is preceded in death by his father-in-law Ernie Lee White, and his grandparents Roy and Maxine Pope and Frank Atkins, Sr.     

Will worked as a lineman with Southeast Power Corporation, traveling throughout the state to bring light to his community, state, and nation providing relief after natural disasters such as the 2021 Western Kentucky Tornado, as well as the many storms that generated power outages—up until the day he died. Will lived his entire life in service, providing a lending hand and heart, an eternal gift of friendship, and a shield of protection and safety. 

Prior to his work as a lineman, Will served as a Kentucky State Trooper graduating with the Kentucky State Police Cadet Class 94 on October 28, 2016.  Will received The Ernie Bivens Outstanding Cadet Award in appreciation for his hard work, dedication, and selfless service to Cadet Class 94, 2016. 

Upon graduation, he served the Kentucky State Police as a Trooper at Posts 9 and 10 until December 30, 2019. Will served with the Harlan Police Department and the Harlan Sheriff’s Department after completing  Law Enforcement Basic Training in 2013. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Administration, an Associate of Arts at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College in 2010, and an Associate of Science at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College in 2009. 

Will played tennis for Georgetown College in 2008 where he was a teammate with his brother Ryland. He graduated from Harlan High School in 2007. While in high school, Will was a standout athlete receiving Honorable Mention All State for Football and qualified for the KHSAA State Tennis Tournament in 2007. He grew up as a baptized and confirmed member of Christ Episcopal Church and attended Teetersville Baptist Church with his wife and family. 

As a child and young-adult, Will carried the spirit of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, roaming in freedom throughout his mountains hunting frogs, lizards, snakes, deer, quail, and turkey. He could not pass up a stray animal even into adulthood and homed every animal that he found. He shared this passion for animals with his children and taught them to hunt for animals and morel mushrooms in the wild, instilling—even at the youngest age—an admiration for the natural world and mountain culture. One of Will and Dana’s favorite pastimes was enjoying the outdoors together. He proposed to his wife Dana after picking blackberries, riding four-wheelers to the top of Dingo, where his expression of devotion mirrored the shelter and strength of the Appalachian summits. Dana is the love of his life, and they shared many wonderful memories and adventures together. Will was completely devoted to his wife, children, and family. The backbone of Will’s life was his love of family. 

Visitation will be 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Tuesday (July 11) at the Teetersville Baptist Church.

Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm Tuesday (July 11) at the Teetersville Baptist Church with Rev. Paul White officiating. Speakers will be Ryland Pope, Anne Pope Lindsey, Mary Elizabeth Pope, Roy "Sooner" Pope. Music will be provided by Seth Carmical. 

Burial will follow in the Resthaven Cemetery at Keith, KY with Britt Ross, Joe Jones, John Derrick Noe, Andy Soltess, Brandon Watts, Joe Freeman, Kenny Pennington, Kameron Madon and James Ward are serving as Pallbearers. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials to Will Pope Family Memorial Fund, please make Checks payable to Dana Pope with Will Pope Memorial Account in the memo, C/O Monticello Bank, PO Box 919, Harlan, KY 40831.

Please feel free to leave a condolence or memory at www.aljfh.com

Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of William Pope.