Richard Dean Pope

Resident of Kernersville, NC, Richard Dean Pope, otherwise known as “Frog”, passed from this Earthly realm onto his Heavenly home at the age of 88 on June 14th, 2025, at 6 pm.

Mr. Pope was born May 12, 1937, in Sedge Garden, North Carolina to Elsie and Clell Pope, the 5th sibling of a family of 11 siblings. Growing up in the farm fields of Forsyth County as a boy, he started his “millwork” career with AC Corporation immediately following an honorable discharge from the US Armed Forces in 1961 and retired from the same company in 2001 with a career lasting for over 30 years.

While serving in the US Armed Forces, he discovered that he was a natural talent at shooting guns and considered becoming a “marksman” but did not pursue it. He served for 2 years while his future bride was waiting at home. They were married six weeks before his discharge in Oklahoma and drove home together as husband and wife. The life he led with his wife and children was of rugged responsibility and the love he had for his bride would later take him to tending to her medical needs as she was transitioning from this Earthly realm to her Heavenly home in 1999. He was the epidemy of ethics, value, integrity and good ole fashion hard work.

“Frog” was an accomplished handyman in his own right. The Godly gift in his hands made him successful at working on his own vehicles, building miniature model homes, truck campers and refurbishing old, discarded furniture. He built a 1957 Ford Fairlane out of 3 other cars. There was simply nothing he could not accomplish with his hands.

He is a dedicated believer in Jesus Christ and a member of Sedge Garden Baptist Church. In his last days he looked forward to finally meeting his Savior and being with his earthly bride again.

Mr. Pope is survived by his children, Robbin Pope Hodge and her husband David Trent Hodge of Kernersville and Mr. Jeffery Dean Pope of Jamestown. He is also survived by his sisters, Wanda Kay and Nancy and brothers Larry, Jimmy and Dennis (“Cubby”) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Batten Pope, parents, Elsie and Clell Pope, and siblings, Clell Junior, Grey, Dwight (“Poochie”), Imagene, Karalee, and much-loved in-laws, Grace and Barcey Batten.

He will be laid to rest next to his bride at Clyde M. Gilmore Memorial Park located in Julian, North Carolina. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held 11:00 am July 10, 2025, at Woodland Hall in Triad Park in Kernersville, NC. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of the Piedmont 1801 Westchester Drive High Point, North Carolina or donate to any Christian Church of the donor’s choice on behalf Richard Dean “Frog” Pope. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.