H. Pope Richter

Published 3:25 pm Thursday, August 29, 2024

H. Pope Richter (72) of LaGrange passed away on August 27, 2024 from complications of COPD and pneumonia.

A son of the late Horace and Dorothy (Dot) Richter, he was born in LaGrange on December 2, 1951.

He was a 1970 graduate of LaGrange High School and attended the University of Georgia where he received a BA degree in 1974 and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a major in history. While at the University of Georgia, he was enrolled in the Honors Program and was awarded memberships in the honor societies of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Alpha Theta, and Phi Eta Sigma. He received his M. Ed degree from LaGrange College in 1982.

An avid Georgia Bulldog fan, he enjoyed tailgating with friends and attended many home and away football games. Other pastimes included watching movies, traveling, collecting American Indian artifacts, working out and reading.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church on the Square, LVA, Town Fitness Club, the Troup County Historical Society, the Troup County Chamber of Commerce, the University of Georgia Presidents Club, the University of Georgia Alumni Association, the Georgia Bulldog Club, the Georgia Bulldog Club of Jacksonville, and the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He also was a charter member of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

He was a high school teacher and tennis coach at LaGrange High School, LaGrange Academy and Brookstone School in Columbus. In 1989 he joined Literacy Volunteers of America – Troup County and was a volunteer tutor in the Adult Literacy Department at West Georgia Technical College for 12 years. He also served as LVA – Troup County’s Chairman of the Board in 1995.

Because of Pope’s knowledge of the American Indian, he was asked to do presentations at local elementary schools, civic clubs, church groups, hunting clubs and scout troops. In 1995 he painted an authentic tipi at Pineland.

Beginning at age 16, he was a counselor at Camp Viola for seven years. This led him to appreciate his material blessings and opened his heart to the needs of others who were less fortunate.

Survivors include his sister, Ellen (Hill) Griffin of Sandy Springs, GA; brother, Lee (Sally) Richter of LaGrange; nephew, John Lee (Kelsea) Richter of LaGrange; step niece, Lisl (Mark) Dickinson of Atlanta; step nephews, Carter (Margaret) Griffin of Chevy Chase, MD, Luke (Tiffany) Hurst of Anniston, AL, and Lofton (Elizabeth) Beasley of Auburn, AL plus several cousins.

The family will receive friends at the LaGrange Striffler Hamby Mortuary on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00pm. A commemoration of his life will follow in the chapel of the mortuary. Burial will be in Shadowlawn Cemetery. Pope was not fond of wearing coats and ties so feel free to dress casually.

The family wishes to express appreciation to Pope’s caregivers and the staff of Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, West Georgia Hospice and the Florence Hand Rehabilitation Facility for their compassion and care during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to LVA – Troup County, Inc, P.O. Box 1087, LaGrange, GA 30241, Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes Pineland, P.O. Box 2097, LaGrange, GA 30241, Camp Viola, P.O. Box 716 LaGrange, GA 30241, or the charity of your choice.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636