MSG Marvin Lanier Pope, Sr.

MSG Marvin L. Pope, Sr. (United States Army, retired), was born on March 24, 1957, in Hawkinsville, GA, to John A. and Ida Mae Pope.  He was the fifth of seven children to this union.  Marvin was called home to be with God on Saturday, September 15, 2018.

Marvin was baptized at an early age in the St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Hawkinsville, Georgia.  He graduated in 1974 from Hawkinsville High School.  He attended Ft. Valley State College where he was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  He was also a thirty-three-year member of the Outcast Motorcycle Club.

Marvin was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country for 29 years, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant.  He served in the Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan, four tours of duty in the Iraq War, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (4th Award).  He also served in Korea, Haiti, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.  Stateside, his assignments included Fort Benning, GA, Fort Jackson, SC, Fort Hood, TX, Fort Polk, LA, and Fort Stewart, GA. 

After his retirement, Marvin’s favorite pastimes were riding his motorcycle and playing dominoes. 

He was preceded in death by his father, John A. Pope, Sr., and his mother, Mrs. Ida Mae Pope; son, Damenian L. Pope; granddaughter, Destiny S. Riggins; brother-in-law, Andrew Bryant; sister-in-law, Cheria Pope (Mrs. Leon Pope).

He is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Mrs. Lilli Y. Pope; daughter, Dinta S. Pope; son, Marvin L. Pope, Jr. (Ashanti); the apple of his eye – granddaughter, Ayanna M. Freeman; sister, Diania Pope-Bryant; brothers, John Arthur, Jr. (Janice), Leon, Gregory, Wayne, and Ernest Pope; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and Snake, Magnum, Charlie Rock, Chill, Fairchild, Nails, Bill, and the Outcast Motorcycle Club.  

The wake will be 5-8 pm, Friday, September 21, 2018, at Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel, 308 West Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville, GA 31313.  Graveside services with Full Military Honors will begin at 1 pm, Saturday, September 22, 2018, in Pine Bloom Cemetery, 132 6th Street, Hawkinsville, GA 31036.  Reverend Dr. Aaron Keith will officiate. 

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.carteroglethorpe.com.