Walter Phillip Pope, 83, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at Lake City Medical Center. He was born in Glenwood, Georgia to the late Estel Alexander and Ruth (Thornburg) Pope and lived in Fort White for the past 37 years.

Phil was a husband, father, and grandfather who will be remembered for the love of his family and his passion for the Sante Fe River. His favorite pastime was the enjoyment of a cold beer (or two) with friends at his beloved Camphouse. He was an active member of the Three Rivers community as a business owner of Pope's Grocery on Wilson Springs Road.  Phil was a member of the Cherry Hill Masonic Lodge #12, and he served our country in the United States Navy, during the Korean Conflict.

Survivors include his wife, Priscilla Pope, with whom he was married for 49+ years. His daughters, Adair (Adam) Hoover of Clemson, SC and Christy Pope of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Austin & Gabrielle Hoover and Coco Adair Pope-Solomon; brother, John Ellis (Delores) Pope of Yulee, FL; sister, Alice (Dick) Everts of Portland, OR; and pre-deceased by Estelle Young, James Pope, and Leon Pope.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2015 in Ft. White Cemetery, Ft. White, Florida, with Chaplain Gerald "Jerry" Pember officiating. Donations may be made in Walter's honor to the Cherry Hill Masonic Lodge #12, 7674 SW US Hwy 27, Ft. White, Florida, 32038.

GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 South US Hwy 441, Lake City, Florida. 32025. (386) 752-1954

Online at www.gatewayforestlawn.com