Thomas "Tom" Christopher Pope

Thomas Christopher Pope, Sr., 65, of Charlotte passed away on July 9, 2016, surrounded by his beloved family. With determination and valiant effort he battled Multiple Myeloma for more than six years, and he is now released from his suffering. After his initial shock at his diagnosis, Tom's positive attitude was evident in his response: "Listen, if I am gone tomorrow, I have not been cheated." Indeed, Tom lived life to the fullest. Tom was born on October 6, 1950 in Mooresville, NC to the late Clyde E. and Ruth S. Pope. He was a graduate of South Mecklenburg High School and an art major at UNC Chapel Hill. Tom, along with his wife Terry, founded Studio Displays, a design and display fabrication shop, in 1980. He was the leader and creative genius of a company that grew from two employees to thirty-five and is involved in national and international projects. Tom Pope was a true Renaissance man. His interests were wide-ranging, and his talents were not only vast and varied, but also awe-inspiring to any who were privileged enough to hear him play a guitar or to see his visual art. He was the lead guitarist of Continental Divide, a beach music and rhythm and blues band, since the early 1970s. He was proud to be the godfather of Jayland Pharr, the grandson of close friend and band mate Gene Pharr. Tom was an accomplished artist whose artistic creations included works in multiple media: oils, wood carvings, and water color. Some of his most amazing works are his many hand-made guitars. Tom also enjoyed collecting the works of other artists whose works he admired. Tom loved Ocean Isle Beach. He even composed a beach-music -styled song, "Kick Back, Relax and Smile", to pay tribute to the place where he greatly enjoyed sharing time with his family and a multitude of friends, as well as playing in the sand with his granddaughters. The song, recorded by Continental Divide, has become the official theme song of the town. The townspeople and visitors to Ocean Isle have delighted in hearing Tom and the band perform the song, along with their vast repertoire, at many evening concerts over the years. Tom was a member of Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church and enjoyed serving in myriad capacities. He was a deacon, taught Sunday School and Training Union, and played " the big bells" in the bell choir and lead guitar in the praise band for several years. The youth of Pritchard adored Tom Pope. Many members of the church will remember all the amazing sets Tom designed and built for the plays and musical productions that the youth, drama, and choir members performed. Tom's devotion to his family was truly inspirational, and his greatest joy was the time he spent with his wife, children and granddaughters. He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Terry; daughters Lori Pope Rosso and husband Joe, and Crystal Pope Baker and husband Daniel; son Thomas C. Pope Jr. and wife Kelsey; granddaughters Rosie Baker and Austyn Pope who adored their "BoomPa"; brothers Jim Pope and wife Lynn; Chris Pope and wife Debi ; and sisters Janet Pope and Melissa Pope, along with many extended family members. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. James Boyd and his staff at Oncology Specialists and Dr. Allen Wong who cared for Tom with devotion during his long illness. They would also like to thank the nurses and staff at Levine Cancer Institute. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Tom's life and his influence will be held 2:00PM on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church,1117 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 with the Reverend Bobby Morrow, the Reverend Stan Heiser, and the Reverend Tom Kinman officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, Fifth Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851 ; www.themmf.org