Branch Pope

Goldsboro – Branch Pope, 59, of 202 Perkins Street, died peacefully on Saturday at Wayne Memorial Hospital.

Branch was born in Wilson County on July 14, 1948 to the late Robert W. Pope and Ruby Branch Pope. He was a retired teacher, athletic director and coach of Rosewood High School. The love Branch had for football was recognized by naming the football field at Rosewood High School in his honor. He was past-president of the North Carolina High School Athletic Directors Association. Branch was a member and past exhalted ruler of Goldsboro Elks Lodge #139 B.P.O.E. After his retirement from the Wayne County School System, Branch worked in public relations at O’Berry Center.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Billy Olsen officiating.

Branch is survived by his wife, Sally Donat Pope; his brother, Robert W. Pope and wife, Susie of Wilson; his nephews, Will Pope of Wilson and Bob Ellis and family of Greensboro; his brother-in-law, Win Donat and wife, LaVonne of Greenville and nephews, Pete Donat of Wilmington and Luke Donat and wife, Joy of Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Branch Pope Scholarship Fund for Rosewood High School, in care of Charlie Satterfield, 105 Hill Court, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

The family will receive friends Wednesday following the service at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at his home.