Kenneth Pope

Kenneth M. Pope, better known as Kenny, age 66, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and formerly of Wilmington and Elizabethtown, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Kenny was proceeded in death by his mother, Hilda Gray Harrelson Pope, and his maternal grandparents, George and Vernell Harrelson. Kenny was also preceded in death by his best friend, Joe Shirley.

Kenny is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Carole Pope, his beloved son and daughter-in-law, Zeke and Silvia, as well as his two granddaughters that were the “apple of his eye”, Luisa Lynn and Elina. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Pope (Chuck), two brothers Michael Pope (Karen) and Gary Pope (Kim), and numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Kenny was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the iconic Baby’s Hospital, once located in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. He and his siblings relocated to Elizabethtown, North Carolina, following the death of their beloved mother in 1972. He attended and graduated from Clarkton High School. Kenny later returned to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he was employed at The Bridge Tender Restaurant in the mid 1980’s. This is where Kenny and Carole first met. He also started his construction career in Wilmington and founded Kenny Pope Construction. In 1998, Kenny and Carole moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Kenny founded Pope Builders, Inc. Many of Kenny’s customers became friends, and they all felt he was an honest, effective, and highly skilled contractor.

Kenny was an avid hunter and enjoyed taking his cousins with him on his hunting ventures. He also enjoyed older cars and had recently acquired a 1970 Dodge Dart GT, of which he was very proud. Kenny enjoyed vacationing and boating at the beach with his family. He had an extremely funny sense of humor and was very protective of his family and friends. His sister Sharon stated the following regarding Kenny, “As the oldest of four siblings, Kenny was a source of strength and love for our family. After the tragic loss of our mother when we were young, the bond between us grew unbreakably close. Kenny was more than a brother – he was caring, protective, and a constant support thorough out our lives. His love for his family will be treasured always and his memory will be in our hearts forever.” Kenny shared with his brother Gary that he wanted his grandchildren to always know that he loved them. These statements exemplify Kenny’s strong character and his loving and protective nature when it came to those dear to his heart.

Kenny’s strength held his family together, and his family and friends will forever by affected by the loss of this wonderful man.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an educational fund that is being established for Kenny’s granddaughters. At present, donations can be made to Carole Pope, P.O. Box 478, Carrboro, North Carolina, 27510.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Kenny on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Rigmor House, located at 5501 NC Highway 54 West, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516. The family will hold a brief reception immediately following the celebration.